Happy Birthday to Me?

I took this shot with my dad's 3 brothers, and other various family members.

It was sufficiently awkward.

Hey those of you who might still check out this page sometimes!

Sorry I've disappeared recently.  A little over a week ago it was my 21st birthday, and somehow there has been a non-stop party since then.  Between doing this social-thing* and trying to keep up with schoolwork, I haven't been doing much blogging, regrettably.  But I will be back soon!

(* "this social-thing" is my New Year's Thought (not resolution) to go out of my way to strength my friendships and go out of my comfort zone. #introvertproblems)

And maybe with a new category, about enjoying Disney as a 20-something at HOME!
Like with pictures of homemade cocktails that are Disney themed (since I got a shaker for my birthday), cupcakes that are Disney themed (because I am really good at making cupcakes), a give away or two (on my baby college budget and everything!) and other things.

Who knows?

If you want to comment and tell me other things YOU would like to see, I would be delighted to hear it!


Until the next time, here is an ECard I found extremely relevant.

With Love <3



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And follow my on Twitter! (@YADisney20)

Planning Fastpass+ at Magic Kingdom

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So, it's 60 days before your vacation, and you're so excited to be planning Fastpass+ attractions!  Unless, of course, it's your first time visiting Disney World, and you aren't sure what attractions to pick.  You want to ride everything!  But the with Fastpass+ you can only select 3 Fastpass+ attractions a day.


Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Regardless of what you pick, you can make last minute changes with your smartphone.  This is especially important if you get to a ride you've reserved, and the line isn't very long.
• The Fastpass+ system is new, and so rides that typically had long lines might not, and things that typically had pretty short waits might develop long lines.  At this point, we aren't sure.
• If possible, you might want to go to Magic Kingdom 2 days and take advantage of as many Fastpass+ options as you can.
• For more info. about reserving Fastpass+ in general, check out this page: Reserving Fastpass+

Consider Using Fastpass+

Of course, you can only use Fastpass+ 3 times a day.  But based on typical line length and popularity, you should use Fastpass+ for these rides and attractions if possible.

• Why: One of the most popular, and arguably most famous, roller coasters at Disney World is Space Mountain.  And with good reason!  This ride is fun and thrilling, but the wait is not.  Definitely snag a Fastpass+ time for this one.
• If not: Get to the park early, and head straight here.  You will get on pretty quickly, as you'll have hopefully beat all those meandering down Main Street, as well as those sleeping in.

• Why: A roller coaster like this immediately means that there is a long wait.  Fastpass+ this to skip the line, and make the experience most enjoyable.
• If not: Ride this when the kids have left the park - after the fireworks.  The line gets much shorter, and the wait is much more tolerable.

• Why: All of the "mountains" in Magic Kingdom typically mean long waits, so (once this reopens after refurbishment this spring, March 2014) be sure to grab a Fastpass+ to ensure you get on this one.
• If not: Try and ride it on a colder day.  The water aspect of the ride might mean that lines are shorter then.  Oh, and take a poncho!

• Why: The newest roller coaster in Walt Disney World, this line is sure to be very long!  Do your best to get a Fastpass+!  And book early, because it's likely that Fastpass+ time slots will fill up sooner rather than later.
• If not: You'll be missing out.  Lines are sure to be long, and the rush of people at the beginning of the day will likely mean that you'll be in line for a while, even if you get there early.

• Why: There really aren't many other places you can get your photo with Belle in her yellow dress, unless you attend one of the princess dining restaurants (alternatively, you can get a picture with her in her blue dress in Epcot).  If you want this photo op, and a cute attraction experience with pretty neat technology, check out Enchanted Tales with Belle.
• If you want the picture, make sure you volunteer to be "part of the story."  The audience can't get the photo, unfortunately.
• If not: You could skip it.  It's a cute story and the technology is cool, but not worth the wait, and as a new Fantasyland attraction, the wait can be long.  Alternatively go to this one after the fireworks.  The kids have left to go to bed, typically making the line pretty short.

• Why: Ariel enthusiasts will appreciate being able to meet the princess without waiting in line.  And as a character meeting spot, that line can be long!  Also, this is the only place to get a picture with Ariel with her mermaid tail.  She is wearing her dress in all other venues.
• If not: Skip it entirely.  There is no ride or attraction here, just the character photo op, and as much as we like to pretend we're kids again and meet our favorites, it just isn't work the line.

• Why: A trip to Disney just doesn't feel complete to me without a picture with the mouse that started it all!  However, you are going to be waiting a while to get that photo.  Get a Fastpass+ here to skip the line.  If you're lucky, Magician Mickey will be there, and he might actually talk to you!
• If not: Again, this will likely have a long line.  If the picture is important to you, stick it out.  If not, move on.

• Why: Like the last few, Princess Fairytale Hall is place where you can talk to Cinderella and a visiting princess, likely Rapunzel, and get a picture with them.  If you have extra Fastpass+, and you want to get that picture with a princess, definitely do it.  It would also be neat to check out another new addition to Fantasyland, and see the intricate detail in the new Hall.
• If not:  Don't go.  The long line likely isn't worth the wait. 

• Why: If you want to meet Anna and Elsa, you must get a Fastpass+.  The standby wait can be over 4 hours, which is absolutely insane for any attraction at Walt Disney World.  The popularity of these too is so great that they stopped having a visiting princess with them...it's just Anna and Elsa!  Even with a Fastpass+, the wait can be a little long (up to an hour).  If you want any chance of seeing them, this is really the only "logical" way to do it.
• If not:  DEFINITELY DO NOT GO.  I don't want to see you in line for 4 hours.  You don't want to see you in line for 4 hours.  Disney World doesn't want to see you in line for 4 hours.

Meet Tinker Bell at Town Square Theater (not pictured)

• Why: Just like the other character meetings, lines can be long without a Fastpass+.  The new set for Tinker Bell is adorable.  If she is one of your favorites, be sure to get a Fastpass+!

Consider Riding (without Fastpass+)

Typically, these lines aren't too long, and waiting in them is definitely worth the ride!  Many are Disney World classics, and though you probably shouldn't use a Fastpass+ on them, you could consider it if they are very important to you (and if there is a short line, you can always change the Fastpass+).

• Why: So I'm already contradicting myself, as the Dumbo line is typically pretty long.  However, it's a Disney classic, and a must ride at least once a trip.  Also, they have added a feature where they give you a buzzer, and for a portion of your wait you can hang out and watch little kids play on a jungle-gym inside the tent while waiting for your turn!
• Alternatively: Get the Fastpass+.  It'll definitely save you some time, but the experience of the queue line is an attraction within itself.

• Why: This line, even when it's long, moves quickly.  Many people go into the ride entrance (the thing with the elevator, Disney veterans) at a time.  There are so many details in the decorations in the queue line that it can easily keep your interest the entire way through.  There are even some statues that are interactive.
• Alternatively: Really, to me there is no alternative.  The line is worth it.  It's one of my favorite parts of the actual ride.  Have patience, and wait this one out.

• Why: Another Disney classic, that is a must ride during your trip!  However, waits typically don't exceed half and hour, even during busy times of the year.  If the wait is longer than that, come back later in the day.
• Alternatively: Maybe switch one of your current Fastpass+ to this last minute, if the lines are especially long during your trip.

• Why: A fun ride, with clever puns from your guide the entire time.  Typically lines aren't very long, and move quickly.
• Alternatively: Like It's a Small World, if the lines are especially long, switch the Fastpass+ last minute.  Or, if all else fails, skip this one, and try for it next trip.

• Why: This line is very rarely long, and moves quickly because of so many people getting on per ride.  A definite must-do for first timers, and definitely worth the short wait.
• Alternatively:  Don't Fastpass+ this.  Check back later for a shorter line, maybe during lunch or dinner hours.  This is definitely not worth the Fastpass+ credit.

• Why: Really great for fans of the movies!  Again, lines tend to be tolerably short (maxing out at about 40 minutes).  Worth it if you enjoyed Pirates of the Caribbean movies, and is really considered a classic ride at the parks.
• Alternatively: If the line is longer than usual, try and switch a Fastpass+ to ride this.  If that doesn't work, like the Jungle Cruise,  you might want to wait until your next Disney World trip to go on this.

Try and Ride (If You Have Time)

These rides are fun, and truly great, but you probably won't feel like you're missing much if you don't get the chance to go on them.  But if the line is short, and you have time, definitely give them a try!

• Why: Really cute rendition of the Little Mermaid story.  The technology in this ride is pretty astounding, and worth taking a look if the line isn't too long!
• Why not: If you don't particularly love the Little Mermaid, and the line is pretty long (due to it still being a new attraction), skip it.
• Definitely go if: You're a really big fan of the Little Mermaid.

• Why: The 4-D type experience makes for fun surprises, especially for those who have never seen it before.  It's entertaining and quite a few times you forget you're sitting in a theater.
• Why not: You can typically find a time of day where you only have to wait one showing and then go right in.  Also, if you have other priorities (ex: you love the parades, you want to visit characters), you won't feel like you're missing much not seeing this.
• Definitely go if: It's a hot day.  The show is pretty neat, and the theater is air-conditioned and comfortable, if not a little chilly.

• Why: It's a cute and funny show, and the way that they have made it interactive makes it slightly more enjoyable, not like you're just watching a movie.  Be sure to text in your joke before the show.
• Why not: The jokes are a bit cheesy, as it is mostly aimed toward a younger crowd.
• Definitely go if: It's hot.  Like Mickey's PhilharMagic, the air-condition can be a nice change from the hot Florida sun.

• Why: This is a classic ride at Disney, and provides nostalgia for those who loved the movie as a kid.
• Why not: The line is almost always really long for this one.  The animatronics are a bit outdated and need some TLC, so the technology of the ride is definitely not impressive compared to some of the others.
• Definitely go if: You want to ride the classics at the parks.  Or if the line is pretty short, because that never happens.

Skip these Rides

Generally, these are rides to skip in the park.  For the most part, they are aimed at a very young audience.  That being said, with short enough lines, you might want to try it.  Disney is a place for everyone to be a kid, after all.  (And if nothing else, it can occupy time waiting to go to a dinner reservation, or when it's almost time for a Fastpass+ ride nearby.) 

• Why to skip: This tends to be a favorite of little kids, because it has the video-game like feel, and you can interact by shooting targets and trying for a high score.
• Consider it if: You and those you are with are really competitive, and the line is short.

• Why to skip: It's very much made for little kids.  In reviews of the ride, many adults said that it was "cute" but that they just "didn't get it."  There is no real plot to the scenes.
• Consider it if: You need to get off your feet a while.  Typically, the line is really short (sometimes you can get right on it), and it's a nice way to relax.

• Why to skip:  This is an introductory roller coaster, easing kids into the other, bigger roller coaster.  The line is likely not worth the very short ride.
• Consider it if: You are scared of roller coasters yourself.

• Why to skip: This is exactly the same ride as Dumbo, but without the classic Disney implications.  If you ride Dumbo, definitely not worth standing in line here.
• Consider it if: You and your significant other want to sing "A Whole New World" to each other.

• Why to skip:  The cars are slow, and you can't control their movement more than a little back-and-forth.  This ride is definitely designed for little kids.
• Consider it if: You don't have a need, a need for speed.

Parades and Fireworks
Unless you are a parade and firework die-hard, I don't suggest using a Fastpass+ on these attractions, simply because you don't need it to experience them.  Showing up early or sacrificing the "perfect view" can save you a Fastpass+ to use elsewhere.  With so many things to do in Magic Kingdom, unless you are going there 3 or 4 days during your vacation, or if you can get an extra Fastpass+ later in the day, I don't suggest using one on any of the following.

• Festival of Fantasy Parade: Though the parade is absolutely amazing, you can arrive about a half hour before and get a seat in the front row.  If you don't mind standing, 20 minutes early will do.
• Main Street Electrical Parade:  If you are willing to stay at Magic Kingdom until around 10 or 11 at night, there is often a second Main Street Electrical Parade that is far less crowded than the first.
• Wishes Nighttime Spectacular: The fireworks are truly magical regardless of where you view them.  For what I think is the best experience, book a meal at 'Ohana or California Grill during the fireworks.  Or watch the show from Tickets and Transportation.  Or show up early and slip in to the crowds.  You have to be there early for the Fastpass+ section anyway!

Does this help?  Should I do this for the other 3 parks?  Should I make a fake itinerary?  Do you want me to help with your itineray?
Let me know in the comments!  Questions and suggestions are welcome!!


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Reserving Fastpass+

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Fastpass+ is the new system currently (as of 1-13-14) being rolled out in Walt Disney World parks!  This system gets rid of the old paper Fastpass system and replaces it with information stored on your Magic Band prior to your trip.  This requires prior reservation, and the process is new and uncharted for everyone, even Disney veterans.  I figured that, since it's officially in place and the process solidified, at least for the time being, some people might want a run down of how the process works.

Let's take a look!

Step One: Select a Park

This is where an itinerary comes in handy.  I previously made an excel spreadsheet with where I would be each day and when my dining reservations were (because you'll hopefully have dining reservations at this point).  Because of this, it was super simple to select the park for the day.  Unfortunately, with Fastpass+, you can only select attractions in one park per day (As of 4-6-14, this is reported to be changing in the coming months).  This means that you should keep in mind if you plan to park hop during your vacation, and when.

Step Two: Select Your Fastpass+ Experiences

This is part of what this screen will look like for Magic Kingdom.  For Magic Kingdom, you select 3 attractions, and this can be any 3.  I will list all of the attractions below.

However, for Epcot (and Hollywood Studios) they only allow 1 "headliner" per day.  So in these cases, you select one from the headliners group, and one from the others.  Again, I will list these attractions below.

Step Three: Prioritizing Preferences

This is the pop-up screen that allows you to prioritize the attractions you've selected, and helps the computer to generate times for each selection.

Step Four: Selecting Fastpass+ Times

At this point, 4 options of times to go to the attractions will be presented.  It will also let you know if it overlaps with any dining reservations, as long as they are linked to your account.  You can see this under the second option I have selected, Enchanted Tales with Belle.  It is important to note that you can change times afterward.  These options are typically pretty varied and work into your schedule well, so it's totally fine to not edit afterward.  However, for the extreme planners, you can look at when you'll be in what area of each park and change the times appropriately later.

After these 4 steps, you will encounter a page for you to accept these options, followed by a confirmation that they have been recorded.

But what if you want to edit later?

You can easily go to the Fastpass+ option in your My Disney Experience page, choose which day of your vacation you want to edit, and will be brought to this page:

At this point, you can choose "select or replace," which allows you to completely redo your original selections.  You'll be taken through steps 1-4 again!

Or, you can choose to Change the attraction itself or the time.

After choosing Change, you will be brought to this page:

This allows you to select the attraction that you want to edit.  It will then bring you to the next page, in which you will choose if you want to Change the Experience, or Change the Time of the current attraction.

If you decide to Change the Experience, you will be brought to this page:

Which follows the same format of the original selection process.

To change the time, you will be brought here:

At this point, time slots will be shown based on availability.

The process is pretty simple and easy to follow, but it's nice to know what to expect when you begin.

Things You Should Know:

• The process opens at midnight 60 days before your vacation.  That being said, for me has been pretty simple up to this point, so don't feel like you need to stay up specifically to book your Fastpass+.  My next vacation is during a really high traffic time at the parks, and I had no trouble getting what I wanted.
• You can edit Fastpass+ at the park.  This could be important if lines are short and you don't want to waste a Fastpass+ on a short wait, or if you change days you are in a park while you're there.  You can also add Fastpass+ options if they are still available after you use your original three.  However, the same 1 Park rule will apply, so you can't park hop and use the leftover Fastpass+ for the park you were just in for the park you moved to. Update 06-25-14: Once the original three Fastpass+ options are used, if there are still options open in the park you've park hopped to, you can select and use them.  Editing can be done on smartphones or at kiosks within the parks for those without.
• This might not be the most fun of a task for the impulsive. You may not want to go through all this trouble.  For you, there is a small "Fast Picks" option (see Step 1), that will make the "best possible selection" for you.  I haven't tried it, but it's worth a shot.
• The attractions available are as follows (updated June 25, 2014):

Magic Kingdom:

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Space Mountain

Splash Mountain

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

It's a Small World

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Enchanted Tales with Belle

Haunted Mansion

Jungle Cruise

Mad Tea Party

Mickey's PhilharMagic

Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor

Peter Pan's Flight

Pirates of the Caribbean

The Barnstormer

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Tomorrowland Speedway

Under the Sea - The Journey of the Little Mermaid

Meet Ariel at her Grotto

Meet Mickey in Town Square Theater
Meet Tinkerbell in Town Square Theater

Meet Cinderella (and another princess; typically Rapunzel) at Princess Fairytale Hall

Meet Anna and Elsa at Princess Fairytale Hall
Festival of Fantasy Parade
Main Street Electrical Parade
Wishes Nighttime Spectacular

Epcot:

"Pick one" headliners group:
Illuminations fireworks viewing
Soarin'
Test Track
Living with the Land
Other Attractions:
Captain EO
Journey into Imagination with Figment
Mission: SPACE
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Turtle Talk with Crush
Epcot Character Spot
Maelstrom
Spaceship Earth

Hollywood Studios:

"Pick one" headliners group:
Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage
Fantasmic! seating
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
Toy Story Midway Mania
Great Movie Ride
Other Attractions:
Disney Junior - Live on Stage (haha...okay 20-somethings...)
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Lights, Motor, Action Extreme Stunt Show
Muppet*Vision 3D
Star Tours
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Animal Kingdom:

Dinosaur
Expedition Everest
Finding Nemo - The Musical
It's Tough to be a Bug
Kali River Rapids
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Primeval Whirl
Meet Favorite Disney Pals at Adventurers Outpost
Festival of the Lion King

So there is likely a lot more to say about Fastpass+, but I think I've overloaded you with information enough for one day.

That being said, my next series of posts will have to do with what Fastpass+ options to pick, and a review of each one.  I can't imagine being a first time visitor and having to pick what to ride without ever having experienced the parks!

So keep an eye out for those! I'll do my best now that I'm back at college to keep up with YAD! :)

Any questions? Suggestions? Corrections?  Please comment and let me know!

I want to help!

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Dining in (All Other) Resort Restaurants

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Here it is, everyone!  The last of the posts in this dining series!  This post encompasses all other restaurants in Disney resorts (minus those in the Magic Kingdom area.  For those, look here).  So many great options are at these resorts, with varied price ranges and atmospheres suited for everyone!

Shall we get started?

First, we'll look at the Beach Club Resort and Yacht Club Resort!

Look at the Beach Club Resort to find Beaches & Cream Soda Shop.

Ideal for: The Saver

Price Range: Under $15, or 1 table-service credit

Link to Menu: Beaches & Cream

• This restaurant is great for the saver, because the food and theming are great, but prices are reasonable.  Also, share the kitchen sink with a group for a great value!
• Pros:
• Large menu of desserts, all of which are wonderful
• Fun, nostalgic theming
• Cons: Though it's done well, the food on the menu is pretty standard
• Other Notes: Beaches & Cream is home to the Kitchen Sink, an ice cream dessert that is served in a replica kitchen sink, and has a large host of ingredients.  It's huge, but a Beaches & Cream favorite.

Next, look at the Beach Club's Cape May Cafe.

Ideal for: Those who want to have Fun, the Planner

Price Range: $15-60, or 1 table-service credit

Link to Menu: Breakfast, Dinner

• When I think "Clambake," I think of a bunch of friends at the ocean with a seafood buffet.  And to me, Cape May Cafe provides that feeling with their dinner buffet.  Also, this venue is great for the planner, because it's popularity and proximity to Epcot makes it something that much be planned ahead of time.
• Pros:
• Comfortable seating
• Lots of really good seafood at the clambake dinner buffet
• Cons:
• Lots of kids at breakfast, because it's a character meal
• Food traffic is pretty heavy in the restaurant because of the buffet location
• Other Notes:
• If you want to see the characters, keep in mind that beach-themed Mickey does not appear here.
• If you are a seafood lover, keep this in mind as a choice on a day you're in Epcot.  The Beach Club resort is in walking distance, and the seafood at this buffet is really tasty.

At the Yacht Club Resort, try Captain's Grille.

Ideal for: The Impulsive

Price Range: $10-30, or 1 table-service credit

Link to Menu: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• It is typically very easy to get a table here without a reservation, even with it's great location in the Yacht Club Resort.
• Pros:
• Delicious seafood and good breakfast choices
• Good service
• Cons:
• Limited menu choices for lunch/dinner.
• Theming is subtle and nice, but slightly outdated
• Other Notes: Though the breakfast buffet has some nice, standard options, be sure to consider the menu.  The selection of specialty breakfast items is definitely not to be passed up!

Also at the Yacht Club, reserve a spot at Yachtsman Steakhouse.

Ideal for: The Spender

Price Range: $30-60, or 2 table-service credits

Link to Menu: Yachtsman

• A signature dining option, the Yachtsman Steakhouse is really great for those willing to pay top dollar for a delicious meal.
• Pros:
• Comfortable seating
• The food is consistently very good, despite the fact that the menu frequently changes based on seasonal ingredients
• Cons:
• Very plain, pretty unexciting theming
• Service is often slow
• Other Notes: The entrance of the restaurant offers a view of the steak trimming room, where you can observe the aging process of the delectable steaks offered here.

Another deluxe resort with a lot of dining options is the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

First, we'll look at Boma, located in the Jambo House.

Ideal for: Those who want to have Fun

Price Range: $15-60, or 1 table-service credit

Link to Menu: Breakfast, Dinner

• The ethnic flavors on the buffet and extensive list of alcohol would make this a great venue to dinner after a day at Animal Kingdom.
• Pros:
• Beautiful, African-inspired decor throughout the restaurant
• Large selection of African wines and beers
• Really great food and desserts (including the "cult favorite," zebra domes)
• Cons: Though there is some plainer food, it is a lot of ethnic flavors and might not suit all tastes
• Other Notes:
• Boma loosely translates to a fence made of sticks, and this motif is found throughout the decoration of the restaurant.
• The Animal Kingdom Lodge boasts the largest collection of African beers and wines outside of the African continent itself.

Also in the Jambo House is Jiko - the Cooking Place.

Ideal for: The Spender, the Romantic

Price Range: $30-60, or 2 table-service credits

Link to Menu: Jiko

• The beautiful scenery is very fitting for a date night, and the price tag of this signature dining option is really worth it for the great food and decor.
• Pros:
• Also has a huge selection of African wines and beers
• Beautiful scenery inside and outside the restaurant, with very intricate details
• Food is really great, and consistently remains that way
• Cons:
• Seating in many places, but not all, are quite cramped
• African and Ethiopian flavors are not suited to everyone's palate
• Other Notes: This is a really great signature dining option with very different flavors and themes than many of the other signature restaurants.  This is a great pick for a day spend in Animal Kingdom!

The last restaurant, Sanaa, is located in the Kidani Villas.

Ideal for: The Planner

Price Range: $15-30, or 1 table-service credit

Link to Menu: Lunch, Dinner

• The food here is really yummy and reasonably priced, but it's location in the Kidani Villas makes some forethought and planning necessary.
• Pros:
• View of Sunset Savanna as you dine
• Food is very interesting and flavorful, and definitely worth trying
• Cons:
• Bread service is not complimentary here
• Food has very ethnic flavors, like the others at the Lodge, and might not be best for all
• Takes a good bit of time out of your day
• Other Notes: Sanaa means art in Swahili, and the restaurant really embraces that theme with the rich designs and decorations throughout.  As the restaurant includes a view of the savanna, you might want to stick to lunch or early dinner here to be sure that you will be able to see the animals before it gets too dark.

The Old Key West Resort Villas has Olivia's Cafe.

Ideal for: The Saver

Price Range: $10-30, or 1 table-service credit

Link to Menu: Breakfast, Lunch/Dinner

• The food here is good, and for great prices, making it an ideal option for the saver.
• Pros:
• Very homey, comfortable atmosphere
• Really good desserts
• Cons:
• Typical visitors are vacationers from the Vacation Club Villas at Old Key West, so others visiting may feel like "outsiders"
• Food is good, but nothing special
• Other Notes: The pictures on the walls come from vacationers at the Villas that send in pictures themselves to be hung there.

The Saratoga Springs Villas host the Turf Club Bar and Grill.

Ideal for: ...sorry, Turf Club, but no one.

Price Range: $15-30, or 1 table-service credit

Link to Menu: Turf Club

• Unless you're staying at this resort, Turf Club's not-so-great reviews means that there isn't too much of a reason to make your way here.
• Pros:
• Standard fare that can fit most people's tastes
• Get's away from the "Disney" feel if you need a break
• Cons:
• Very little theming, mostly just feels like the hotel itself
• Food is just mediocre
• Other Notes: It seems that this restaurant is going through a "tired out phase," and unfortunately isn't the best quality anymore.

The Maya Grill is the table-service option at the Coronado Springs Resort.

Ideal for: The Romantic

Price Range: $15-30, or 1 table-service credit

Link to Menu: Maya Grill

• This restaurant is located in the most romantic of the moderate resorts, Coronado Springs, so hungry couples should think about stopping in.
• Pros:
• Really good margaritas
• Decor is nice, with a relaxing but still classy atmosphere
• Cons:
• Waits to be seated can be long, even when it isn't busy
• There is a mixture of Latin American foods and standard burgers and things, which makes the menu feel very non-authentic
• Other Notes: The food here is fine, but probably not worth the trip if you aren't staying in the Coronado Springs resort.

And at the Caribbean Beach Resort you will find Shutters.

Ideal for: The Impulsive

Price Range: $15-30, or 1 table-service credit

Link to Menu: Shutters

• Typically easy to get a seat, Shutters offers some yummy food, and a fun atmosphere.
• Pros:
• Outstanding service
• Pretty good food, especially menu items with a Caribbean flair
• Cons:
• The rooms are large and echo-y
• Desserts here are pricy and not great
• Other Notes: Like Maya Grill, this restaurant is probably best for those staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort, and does not warrant a trip there specifically.  That being said, it is quite good for being a moderate resort restaurant.

And the last table-service restaurant on Disney property is in the Port Orleans Riverside Resort, named Boatwright's Dining Hall.

Ideal for: It's difficult to say.

Price Range: $15-30, or 1 table-service credit

Link to Menu: Boatwright's

• It's hard for me to narrow down one type of vacationer to send here.  Boatwright's is an experience, and has a great feel, so if you have a chance to try it, it's worth a trip for just about anyone.
• Pros:
• Really nice theming with a cozy, homey feel
• Delicious creole inspired food, with a real comfort food feel
• Cons:
• Like the other heavily themed food restaurant, not all people may like the flavors
• Desserts are hit or miss
• Other Notes: Make sure to check out Yehaa Bob in the River Roost Lounge next door.  He's a resort favorite!

Anddddd we've done it!  If you've read the series of posts (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Downtown and Boardwalk, and Magic Kingdom Resorts) prior to this, and now this one, you have reviewed basically all reservation-accepting restaurant on Disney property.  Congratulations!  Hopefully it has helped you to make an informed decision about where YOU want to eat on your next trip!

I have a few ideas of what comes next, but would love to hear what anyone needs help with!  So please, comment!  Ask questions!  Suggestions are welcome!  Please!

That being said, the spring semester of college quickly approaches.  As does internship seeking for the upcoming summer.  I will still post, but with what consistency, I can't guarantee.

Happy Planning!

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