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Disney Junior Dance Party at Hollywood Studios | Honest review in the words of a 5yr old

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 *I was invited to a sponsored media event to experience the Disney Junior Dance Party. All opinions are my own. 

Disney Junior Dance Party

I have always loved the Disney Junior Live show inside of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I was disappointed to learn that they would be replacing it. But then I watched the new show and I was blown away by the Disney Junior Dance Party! Disney really stepped up their game and knows how to engage these little ones under 5!

This past January 2019, I had the honor of attending an influencers media event with my children. My kids are ages 5 and 3. I had done a little research and was pumped to hear that the character “Vamperina” would be featured in the Disney Junior Dance Party. My kids LOVE the Vamperina Disney Junior TV show.

After the show I was writing down my thoughts for this post because I felt like I needed to share it with every young Disney mom! I had a ton of info from my perspective. Then I asked my daughter what she thought of the show. I put down my phone and started listening to her. She had the most interesting and innocent reactions to the Disney Junior Dance Party.

So for this post, I want us all to relive the magic of being 5 yrs old again. I am going to tell you what my daughter told me about each aspect of the Disney Junior Dance party. (with a few interjections from my quiet 3yr old Walt. I know you’re going to ask, yes, we named him after Walt Disney.)

The following post is completely dictated by my daughter. I typed while she gave her honest review of the new Disney Junior Dance Party. I hope you enjoy reading about this Disney experience through the eyes of a little kid!

Opening

Ok, so first you walk in and sit on the floor or stand in the back if you are “old”. All the kids sit on the floor in front of the stage. Fast music is playing so you can warm up your dancing moves. Then the lights flash all around you and a girl with blue hair comes out. Her name is EJ DJ and she is the music DJ. She makes the music with her giant iPad. All the kids and momma starts dancing. The DJs bestest friend comes out and he is also a DJ. His name is Fin Fiesta. (Walt age 3: Daisy has a friend Flynn in her Sunday School Class!)

The two DJs teach everybody dance moves (the DJ shuffle). I think the DJs are married maybe because they love each other.

Vamperina

Vamperina flies behind the DJs but they don’t know it’s Vamperina. They think she’s a bat! Then she magically turns into a vampire girl so she can dance at the dance party. The real Vamperina comes out of smoke on the stage. Vamperina teaches us a dance move and everyone has to dance. Vamperina knows how to do a spooky monster walk dance! I can do it too! When Vamperina left the stage all the bubbles went everywhere and onto our heads!

Doc McStuffins

Doc McStuffins also jumped out on the stage from smoke! Doc was dancing cha cha and Chilly didn’t want to. Chilly is made of snow and he was not happy with the warmness in the room. I was hot too, I took off my sweater when we were walking to the building! Chilly is a snowman. Chilly needed a check up and Doc McStuffins said he needs more cold. The DJs made it snow from the sky but inside! It was snowing all over everything and all the kids. Chilly sang the “I feel better song” and Doc Mcstuffins had to go.

Timon

Timon is the pig’s (warthog’s) best friend in Lion Guard or Lion King. I liked his songs the best. Timon knows all the lion dance moves and says “Zuka Zuma” when he sings. And at the end the DJ screamed “For the pride lands!”. I liked that part! Then the leaves from the Lion Guard fall from the ceiling!

(Photo curtesy of https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog)

Mickey & the Roadster Racers

Mickey Mouse gets out of his racer and dances on the stage. All the kids dance and we dance however we want like free moves. I remember all the lights are different colors and flashing like “pew pew pew”. Everyone, all the people, like Vamperina and the DJ and Mickey are friends. So we should be friends and kind and dance with each other.

Finale

All the kids stand up and dance (freestyle) with Mickey and the EJ DJ and with Fin Fiesta. When the song is finished, long white confetti (streamers) shoot out all over the place.  The music is over and the lights come on and then we have to walk outside. Oh yeah and you can meet all the people (characters) outside of the dance party and like take pictures with them. The dance party was like a real dance party and I want to go back and do it again. (Walt age 3: Yeah yeah yeah, I want go dance with Kion.)

I want to go back there, especially for my birthday because Disney is the most magical place of all. Every day is the best day for Disney. Love, Daisy.

Mom Edits

The Disney Junior Dance Party is a wonderful live show where the Disney Junior characters sing their signature songs while teaching the kids a few dance moves! I know this post is not the most grammatically correct, but please know that it’s from the heart. I truly wanted you to hear it from a kids perspective so you can understand how much your kids will love this new show in Hollywood Studios. Disney Junior Dance Party is a great addition to the Hollywood Studios park. I’d like to hear your review and your kids review. Drop a few lines in the comments below!

Remember that there is a traveling Disney Junior Dance Party on Tour show that is probably coming to a city near you. Check your local ticket master for the closest one to you. I hear they also feature Puppy Dog Pals, Princess Elena, Fancy Nancy, and the Muppet Babies!

Don’t forget to read my comprehensive guide to all things toddler friendly in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM). I share the best rides, quick service food and newest attractions for your littles ones under 5yr old!

If you have any questions or suggestions, I’d love to hear them.
Please share this article with your friends.
Have a magical day and an extraordinary Disney trip!
xo

Disney Hollywood Studios with a Toddler | All the fun for 5 and under!

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I’ve been a Disney momma a while now and I have googled nearly everything. Disney World with a 2 year old. Tips for Walt Disney World with Toddlers. Best Disney parks for a 5 year old. Now that I’ve been to Disney (including Hollywood Studios) with my own toddler over 20 times, I think I’m ready to share my tips and tricks for a good time.
In this post I want to share my comprehensive guide to all things toddler friendly in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM). I will share the rides, quick service food and newest attractions in this often overshadowed park. When this park gets a parade and a few princess cameos – it will rival Magic Kingdom as the best place to take your toddlers in Disney! Don’t forget to check out my other post about Taking your Toddler to Disney World | All 4 Parks
Let me tell you all about what Hollywood Studios has to offer you and your little ones! Let’s break it down by sections of the park. There are many attractions and rides, but I will only share the ones that are appropriate for kids 5yrs old and under.

Hollywood Boulevard

This is the “main street” by the entrance. In this area you will find restrooms, guest services, the first aid office, stroller/wheelchair rentals and most importantly for young mothers: The Baby Care Center! 

Baby Care Center

The baby care centers is usually located by the entrance. This place has everything and I found it after frantically searching “Where can you buy Diapers in Disney?” Answer: At the Baby Care Center located in every Disney Park! At the entrance of the Baby Care Center there is usually a playroom where the rest of the family or kids can wait and play. There will be a few toys, couches and a classic Disney movie playing on a screen. If your child has any sensory issues it is a great place to escape all the stimulation (lights and noise) that comes with a Disney park visit.

There is a changing room where there are rows and rows of changing tables. Another room is set up as a “feeding room” with high chairs and counters. Beside the feeding room is usually a small kitchen for you to prep a bottle or meal for your baby. Thankfully, Disney is supportive of breastfeeding mothers and has an area where you can sit in a comfy rocking chair and nurse your baby. It is usually dimly lit and quieter than the other rooms. You can purchase baby food, all kinds of formula, bottles, pacifiers, all sizes of Diapers/swim diapers, baby wipes, over the counter medications and any other baby essential you could think of!

As you continue down Hollywood boulevard you will find a Starbucks and all the souvenir shops.

SUNSET BLVD area

The only attraction down this side street that your toddler will be interested in is the Beauty & the Beast Broadway Show. This is an outdoor covered theater. Every couple of hours the performers put on a spectacular broadway-style musical. The story of Belle and the beast is retold by talented actors. You will find yourself singing along with your little ones.

If you are looking for something to eat, toddler style, you can definitely try Rosie’s for chicken nuggets, Catalina Eddies for pizza, Hollywood Scoops for ice cream and KRNR Rock Station for hot dogs.

You will also find a few more shops on this street that feature Disney-themed apparel and gifts.

ANIMATION COURTYARD area

There is a brand new spankin attraction show for Hollywood Studios called the Disney Junior Dance Party! This is a super fun interactive show where kids can sing, dance and jump around while watching the best Disney junior characters. The hosts are a boy + girl duo who are DJ’s, they “spin in” characters like Vamperina, Doc McStuffins, Timon & Mickey & the Roadster Racers! This is the newest and most fun addition. To hear a review from my own 3 & 5 yr old, check out this post dedicated specifically to Disney Junior Dance Party!
In the far back area, you can find the Star Wars Launch Bay. Here you can walk around star wars sets and meet a few Star Wars Characters. This is only worth it if your kid likes star wars. If she/he does like Star Wars, even a little bit, this place will knock their socks off!
Voyage of the Little Mermaid is a live theater show that retells the Little Mermaid movie story. It’s very cute, it is very air conditioned and at the end they drop bubbles on the whole audience. It’s magical and your little ones will enjoy it.
Walt Disney Presents is a beautiful tribute to the man who started it all. It tells the story of him humble beginnings followed by his dreams coming true. You can meet Mike & Sully from Monsters Inc. over here!

INCREDIBLES CELEBRATION

This area is currently in transition, but boy is it spectacular already. Here you can meet some of your favorite Incredible along with the abfab Edna Mode! There is also a neighborhood bakery featuring Jacks “nom nom” cookies. (If you saw the movie then you get it.) There is also a gift shop where you can pick up all sorts of PIXAR themed merchandise.

TOY STORY LAND – THIS IS A CAN’T MISS

This land is an attraction in itself. Just walk around and see the larger than life displays of all your favorite childhood toys. This is a place parents and kids can relate to. It has 3 major rides and a yummy restaurant that looks like a Lunch Box! This food spot is quick service with many options for kids including uncrustables! Toy Story Mania is a fun “shooting” game for points. It is 3D and there is no height restriction. Slinky Dog Dash is the funnest ride. It is a kids rollercoaster with some of the best views of the park. Kids must be 38 in or taller to ride.  Alien Swirling Saucers is a short jerky ride that you need to be 32inches tall to ride.

ECHO LAKE area

For the First Time in Forever is a must see show. The narrators are the funniest improv comedians. I’m not sure who was laughing more, the kiddos or the parents. It is a sing along show based on the songs and story line of Frozen. Beside this attraction is a little area called “celebrity spotlight” where you can meet Olaf himself!
The Indiana Jones Stunt Show is a bit on the intense side. There are pretend gun shots and fake fight scenes. Use your judgement with your own children. Some 4 & 5 yr olds do just fine with this live action show.
Jedi Training is a SUPER FUN MUST DO if your kids like star wars. Or maybe this is what will get them into it! This is an interactive participation that you need to register your kids into THE DAY OF. There are about 10 slots, nearly every hour. But they fill up fast, so go sign them up at the beginning of the day (The stand is located just to the left of the entrance to the Indiana Jones Stunt Show. In the Jedi Training Academy, kids get some official Jedi training and fight Dark Vader on a stage. It’s totally free! You must be 4 years old to participate. The kids get to take home an official graduation diploma from the jedi academy. It’s a GREAT experience.
Hollywood & Vine is a sit-down buffet style restaurant where they have characters come greet you. In the mornings you can meet all the Disney Junior characters and for Lunch + Dinner you can meet Mickey, Minnie, Daisy and Donald.

COMMISSARY LANE area

Meet Mickey & Minnie at the “Red Carpet Dreams” area. Here you can wait to meet Mickey Mouse dressed in his Sorcerers best and Minnie Mouse decked out in her best red carpet ready dress! This is the only area in Hollywood Studios where you can meet Mickey and Minnie.

GRAND AVENUE area (back of park)

There is an oldie but goodie for Hollywood Studios, the  3D theater show featuring Jim Henson’s Muppets! I loved it as a kid and your little ones will love the 3D effects along with the songs.
BONUS: You can’t end a day at Disney without fireworks! Right now there is a Star Wars Fireworks show that plays before they close the park. I hear they are only doing the show on select nights so be sure to check the schedule.

The One Thing Every Mom Forgets to Plan

I would be remised if I didn’t mention to you all the ultimate resource. There is one thing that every Disney traveler seems to forget to plan for. What do you do when someone in your family falls ill? Do what I do and call The Medical Concierge at 1(855)-932-5252. They are a group of physicians and nurses that can help you with anything from a chipped tooth, to IV fluids, breathing treatments or wound care. The Medical Concierge doctors will come to your hotel, resort or vacation home to provide medical assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! They bring the care to you, they deliver any medications you might need, and follow up with you afterwards. The Medical Concierge works closely with Disney Resorts and all neighboring hotels. While Medical Concierge works mostly in non-emergency situations, they can also help you plan your vacation ahead of time for someone who already has medical needs. For example if you need dialysis set up, or medical equipment when you are visiting the Orlando area. Keep the number handy, you never know when you or someone else might need it.

Don’t forget to read my guide to Bringing Food Into Disney

If you have any questions for me or suggestions, I’d love to hear them.
Please comment below and share this article with your friends.
Have a magical day and an extraordinary Disney trip!
xo

Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli at Home | California Grill

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California Grill

One of the nicest restaurants with the best views, in Disney, is without a doubt the California Grill in the Contemporary Resort in Walt Disney World! This restaurant is located on the 15th floor of the contemporary Resort. It features a gorgeous view over the lake and of Magic Kingdom. It is a wonderful place to view the fireworks and they pump in the soundtrack so you can really get to experience the magic.

But the magic of California Grill is really in the food. This fine dining menu is based on a California/pacific coast style. It features sushi, flat boards and the best pasta. The most popular and requested dish here is the delectable Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli. This dish is over the top decadent and delicious. You know it’s good because it has been on the menu since day 1 of the opening! (That was over 20 years ago.)

Are you wondering , “‘How do I make Goat Cheese Ravioli at home?“. I’ve got it here for ya! Straight from the chef himself at the resort restaurant. I’ve typed it out here for you.

Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli

Ingredients

  • Ravioli 
  • 1 pound soft mild goat cheese, crumbled
  • 5 1/2 ounces aged goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons basil pesto (from a jar)
  • 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons roasted garlic puree (recipe follows)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1?8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, or to taste
  • 16 egg roll wrappers
  • 1 large egg and 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
  • Tomato Broth 
  • 15 whole vine-ripened tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Garlic Puree 
  • Makes 2 tablespoons
  • 1 whole head garlic
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Ravioli 
  2. In a large bowl, stir together the fresh goat cheese, aged goat cheese, bread crumbs, pesto, olive oil, roasted garlic purée, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. On a work surface, lay out 8 egg roll wrappers and brush each with the egg wash.
  4. With a sharp knife , mark each wrapper into 4 squares, taking care not to cut all of the way through.
  5. Place about 1 tablespoon of the goat cheese mixture in the center of each square. Cover with the 8 remaining egg roll wrappers and press the edges together.
  6. With a knife, cut each double wrapper with filling into 4 squares, to yield 32 squares of filled ravioli.
  7. Press the edges together. (If you are not using the ravioli immediately, sprinkle them lightly with cornmeal, and store refrigerated between layers of waxed paper).
  8. When ready to serve, cook the ravioli in a large pot of boiling salted water for 1 to 2 minutes.
  9. Drain completely.
  10. Serve with Clear Tomato Broth or chopped seeded ripe tomatoes.
  11. Tomato Broth 
  12. In a blender, in batches, coarsely chop the tomatoes with the salt.
  13. Place the chopped tomatoes in a large sieve lined with a double layer of damp cheesecloth, set it over a bowl, and let the mixture drain in the refrigerator for 24 hours to collect the liquid.
  14. Discard the tomato pulp and reserve the liquid.
  15. Garlic Puree 
  16. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  17. Cut off the stem and top third of 1 whole garlic head.
  18. Place the garlic on a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil and drizzle with olive oil.
  19. Wrap the garlic with foil, seal the edges tightly and roast for 1 hour.
  20. Remove the package from the oven, open carefully, and let the garlic cool slightly.
  21. Scrape or squeeze the pulp from the garlic cloves.

Disney Dining

Don’t forget that anytime you are dining inside Walt Disney World, you can ask for the recipe to anything you are enjoying. A cast member will gladly give you the recipe or the chef will come out and give it to you her/himself! Any restaurant, any food item including drinks and sauces – can be requested.

You can also email Guest Relations at anytime, to request a recipe. Try to remember the dishes name and where you ate it. But they are pretty good at guessing and including a picture to confirm. Just email them at: wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com.

Don’t forget to check out my other blog posts about recipes inside Disney World. I’ve got the pizza dough from italy and the Main Street Cinnamon Rolls! See ya there!
xo

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