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New Beginnings for Disney Guru

I am so excited to announce that as of today 5/16/2011 Disney Guru will be moving locations. This move is going to provide a fresh, clean look that is much easier to navigate for you. My goal in moving locations is so that I can provide you with more services to help you plan the most magical Disney vacation. Myself as well as all of the Guru Girls cannot wait for you to visit us!! :0)


This Blogger blog will continue to stay on this site but I will no longer be posting here. I was able to transfer all of the information from here to the new Disney Guru site. 


Our Facebook, Twitter and RSS freed are all attached to the new Disney Guru site. Last,  it would be an honor for me to have you visit our new site and bookmark it as a favorite of yours. 


I would like to thank all of you for being such awesome followers, I could not have done any of this without you or without the help of the wonderful Guru Girls, Belinda, Theresa, Disney Bird, and Julie. Thank you!


See ya real soon!!
Kelly 

A Refreshing Trip Around the World

Today's article is brought to you by Theresa Cook, contributor for Disney Guru and owner of Shutter Expressions . Enjoy!!   

A Refreshing Trip Around the World 

Ah Epcot!!!  The one place you can travel the world in a matter of hours.  We are all familiar with World Showcase, Figment and his imagination, the “giant golf ball”, and a dancing fountain.  But there are little things that tend to get lost and forgotten.  I’ve been to the park many times and have always passed by one certain attraction until our last trip in 2010.

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I knew it was there, but not its exact location.  I made it a goal to finally go and had no excuse not to.  I’m talking about Club Cool.

Located on the right hand side, just past the “giant golf ball” (AKA Spaceship Earth) and before the fountain is a plain looking building in Future World.  Here, your taste buds will go on a world tour.

Formally called Ice Station Cool, Club Cool is sponsored by Coca-Cola and offers not food, but cola from eight different countries.Tasting is free, though there is a gift store located inside for Coca-Cola related products.

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Grab a small tasting cup and make your way to one of the self-serving centers to start this unique journey.   It’s fun to watch people’s reactions too.

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First up is China for a cola they call Smart Watermelon.  It’s surprisingly good and a favorite amongst my kids as it’s more of a fizzy juice than a pop. It’s light and refreshing without being overly sweet.

Kinley Lemon from Israel is just like the name states; citrus tasting.  It’s very similar to lemonade with a hint of honey.  Kinley is very similar to Mountain Dew, if I was to describe it.

Next on our tour is Thailand and Lychee Mello.  This very sweet, grape type pop is just what you would expect it to be.   Those with a sweet tooth will find this to be quite a treat.

Japan takes a healthy approach with what they call Vegitabeta.  It’s not bad, but not something I would order to drink if I were to be in Japan.  If you are used to adding vitamins to smoothies and other beverages, this would quench your thirst as you do taste the minerals.

The popular drink of Costa Rican children has a name you might recognize; Fanta Kolita.  This kid’s favorite is a nice fruity cola that has just the right amount of sweetness.

Germany is known for beer and even mixes beer into non-alcoholic beverages to help weaken the alcohol content as in this drink called, Mezzo Mix.

In Italy, they drink a bitter beverage called an aperitif to help stimulate the appetite before dinner.  This is one you need to drink with caution.   I had fun getting others to drink it and watching their reaction.  You will need to taste it for yourself to see what I mean.  This cola is called Beverly.

Lastly, we wrap up with Krest Ginger Ale from Mozambique.  In Africa, ginger has been long used for medical purposes and is a popular drink.  It’s even used as a mixer in African bars.  It is by far one of the best ginger ales I have ever tasted.

Now that I have your mouth salivating and taste buds buzzing, make sure you add this little stop on your list of things to do.  It’s a great way to cool down and escape the Florida heat while having fun.  Besides that, it's a great way to get your kids to try something new too.

Who can honestly say they drank cola from 8 countries in one day?  Well now you can.  And as the slogan says: Enjoy Coke!!

Keep smiling. . .till next month!!!
--

Theresa Cook

Shutter Expressions
"capturing the real you"
www.shutterexpressions.net

World Showcase ~ Germany

World Showcase ~ Germany

                                           Picture courtesy of wdwinfo.com

Living the Fairytale Life with Belinda!

Are your bags packed? Today I’m taking you on a trip to Germany, located in World Showcase at Epcot! The Germany pavilion is one of my top favorites. As a little girl, we got stationed in Bamberg due to my father being military. I loved it. The food, the architecture and the feeling of being in the midst of a faraway land full of castles and charm. This is definitely the next best thing.

The Germany Pavilion depicts scenes out of a storybook. With flower boxed window ledges, stair stepped rooftops, beautiful balconies and arched entryways, this is one country not to be missed. Here you will find everything from German style shopping to food, beer and authentic German souvenirs.

Germany is situated around St. Georgsplatz; this is the center point of this pavilion; its cobblestoned walkaways center around the statue in the center; St. George.

Photo courtesy of wdwinfo.com

Dining

Biergarten ~ this restaurant is located at the very back of the St. Georgsplatz center in the Germany pavilion. You can’t miss it.  The roof tops of this restaurant are very much an appeal to the eye, with high pitched roofs that are tiered to the sky; one can’t miss this jolly restaurant.

If you want a romantic dinner for two, Biergarten is definitely not the spot to dine in. This restaurant is a very happy, clap your hands and be jolly type dining experience. The tables are situated to bring a form of togetherness among guest; with long tables, one cannot help but strike up a conversation with fellow diners.

The atmosphere here is quite the German setting, with scheduled appearances by traditional Bavarian musicians; you can’t help but think you are in the real country itself. The host here encourage you get on the dance floor and join in the fun. The musicians are usually dressed in some form of dirndl or lederhosen. With the sound of German music and the striking atmosphere, you are definitely guaranteed a jolly good time at this establishment.

The food here is presented as an all-you-can-eat buffet. Featuring everything from German sausages, rotisserie chicken, frankfurters, potato salad, cold dishes of all kinds, homemade spaetzle and a ton more German specialties. The dessert here is top notch, including everything from German cheesecake to the famous black forest cheese cake; you will definitely find something to your liking. Beer drinkers will love the full size steins they serve the beer in. Spotkan, a dark German and very popular beer is one to defiantly try. My husband loves it. It is tradition for us to get one every time we visit. It adds to the whole German experience.

Reservations at this restaurant are highly recommended; Book as early as possible, as spots do fill up quickly.  Price ranges from $15 to $50.00.

Biergarten Restaurant

Sommerfest ~ this quick stand type restaurant serves everything from soft pretzels, apple strudel, beer, wine, and bratwurst sandwiches. This eatery is located to the rear of the Germany pavilion with seating located nearby. Reservations are not needed for this quick stop. Prices range from under $15 to $30.00.

New to the Germany Pavilion

I am so excited about this new snack establishment located in the Germany pavilion!

Photo courtesy of wdwmagic.com

This is a brand new sweet shop that just recently opened in Germany. When visiting this yummy eatery, you will see Disney Cast members making fresh caramel apples, caramel corn, marshmallows and strawberries!  You will also find gourmet brownies, cupcakes, cookies and fudge. If you have a sweet tooth, this is definitely a German spot not to be missed! Check out some photos! Can you say yummy?

Shopping

The Germany pavilion has some of the most exquisite shops in World Showcase. You will artificats and gifts that are sure to please any member of your family. Listed below are the shops you will find along with some of items they offer.

Photos courtesy of wdwmagic.com

Der Bucherwurm - Here you will find everything from German steins, glassware, hand-painted eggs, and all kinds of sundries.

Der Teddybar – I love this store! Here they have all kinds of German toys, dolls, and my favorite, teddy bears.

Die Weihnachts Ecke - Another favorite of mine! Here you will find all kinds of German Christmas items, such as ornaments and decorations; to include the all-time famous “green pickle”!

Kunstarbeit In Kristall – This place has some of the most beautiful German glassware and crystal around.

Weinkeller - Here you will find all kinds of assorted German wines. I love being able to do the wine tasting here. Remember, the cost includes a souvenir wine glass!  What a perfect way to get a souvenir; A nice memory too.

Süssigkeiten - Another favorite! This store offers German steins and various wines. Some of the steins here are truly amazing. Word is that this shop is to be changing its name soon.

Volkskunst - My husband loves this store. It offers all kinds of cuckoo clocks and hand –painted eggs. All of the cuckoo-clocks and eggs are truly a work of art.

 Whatever shop you choose to venture to, you are sure to find the perfect German keepsake!

Photo courtesy of wdwmagic.com

I hope all of you enjoyed taking this trip with me to Germany in World Showcase.  It is truly a country that inspires us all, with its food, culture, amazing detail to design and their exquisite shops.  I hope all of your Disney adventures include a stop at Germanys pavilion, you won’t be disappointed!

Don’t forget to visit Snow White at her new character spot in this pavilion. You will find her located next to her wishing well.    

Photo courtesy of http://unofficialdisneycharacterhuntingguide.blogspot.com

                                 

Remember to make a Wish!

Keep Believeing

Belinda

My New Found Love for Epcot!!

 Wacky Wednesday's With New England Disney Diva, Julie.

Today I’ll be talking about Epcot and the new-found love I’ve discovered for it over the last few years! If you ask what my earliest memories of Epcot are (at that time, it was referred to as ‘Epcot Center’) I’d probably say ‘Figment’ and leave it at that. I don’t remember being entirely enthralled with this park as a child, but now I can now proudly say it’s one of my favorites! I guess since I’m a Magic Kingdom girl, I’m a bit biased- I’ve always found myself comparing the two.

Now as an adult, going to WDW each year with my own family, I’ve realized that you simply cannot compare the two parks.  It’s kind of like comparing apples to oranges, or in Disney terms, ‘Mouse Bars to Dole Whips’!

There are so many differences between these two, but Epcot is just as magical in its own right and has so much to offer.  Here are some of the reasons why I love Epcot.

I love the futuristic aspect of Epcot, that breathtaking feeling you have when walking past that great big (silver ball, as my little girls would say) Geosphere would be the correct word I believe. We usually visit Spaceship Earth multiple times and I think I see something new each time I’m on it!

Family Favorites

Mission Space is also a fun attraction. I was tricked into going on this last year with my daughter. She made us get into the more intense line, on purpose, might I add. Let’s just say it was not a good experience, especially if you suffer from motion sickness, like I do. My eyes were shut for the entire 5 minutes (which at the time seemed like it lasted a lifetime!) All of this, before a 9:30 breakfast at Akershus! I still have not decided if I will attempt the ‘less intense’ version this year, but I still have plenty of time to decide on that one.

My girls absolutely adore The Seas with Nemo & friends.  This is probably the 1^st attraction we will do. They love ‘Turtle Talk with Crush’; lots of interactive fun for kids and adults seem to get a kick out of it too! This is a great one to do because it’s enclosed, so if you’re overheated or there’s an unexpected Florida downpour, you’re safe for awhile.

Yet another favorite is ‘Living with the Land’. My family and I love this boat ride! My little girls are surprisingly fascinated with the way the plants and veggies are grown. This is just another fabulous Epcot experience. As I’m writing this I realize I could go on and on about Epcot…there’s just so much to see and do! Soarin’, the sights and smells of being whisked away to picturesque landscapes with the feeling that you’re flying! 

I love how there’s such a distinction between Future World & World Showcase. We love checking out all the different countries, trying out different food and drinks, the ambience of each country.  One of our favorite rides in World Showcase is ‘Maelstrom’ in Norway; we always look forward to it!

I was also fortunate enough to go again during Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival this past Fall and loved it! As a newbie to this event, I have to say next time will be much better executed.  There was so much to see and do with this event alone-I have to admit, my best friend and I were a bit overwhelmed.  I’ll want to make and  sure to spend an entire afternoon dedicated to sampling the food and drinks get the full effect!

But all in all, my very favorite time to visit Epcot has to be during the Flower & Garden Festival. This has been an ongoing tradition in my family for so many years, that I look forward to it! I love seeing the new topiaries on display, the fragrant aroma of the flowers and Epcot just seems to be ‘in bloom’ during this time! I’m really missing it this year and have been living vicariously through other friend’s photos that have gone.

These are just a ‘few’ of the many reasons why I have a renewed love for Epcot!

Magic Kingdom my always have my heart, but Epcot is a close second!!

What makes Epcot so special to you? I’d love to hear your thoughts & opinions.

Thanks for sharing your Wednesday with me… let’s chat soon!!

Julie can be reached @ nedisneydiva@hotmail.com be sure to “like” Julie’s Facebook Page…New England Disney Diva’s!!

Secrets of Epcot

It is no secret that there are many secrets hidden throughout Walt Disney World! Many that are still undiscovered, and many that have been discovered but not revealed. While we are doing a tribute to Epcot here at Disney Guru during the month of May, I thought that it would be fun to share that the magic is not only at Magic Kingdom but at Epcot as well.

Stand under Spaceship Earth when it rains

It is almost inevitable that during your visit to Walt Disney World, you will experience a downpour. If you should happen to be around Spaceship Earth, feel free to stand under it as a reprieve from the rain. There are two gutters that surround the structure. One gutter is located at the equator and the other one is located just below it. The tiles that surround the structure are arranged an inch apart which allows the rainwater to flow into the gutters. Both of the gutters flow the water to the structure's legs and down below Future World where the water is kicked back into World Showcase Lagoon. As a result, you will not get wet.

The Future World Water Fountains Talk

Take a stroll over to Future World and grab a refreshing sip of water from one of their three water fountains. You may notice that as you drink, there are some sound effects that come right out of the fountain. You will hear anything from the clanging of pipes, to a woman shouting, "No doubt about it--I've gotta move to a drier climate."

The fountains are located on the west side of Innoventions West, just across from The Land pavilion, outside the main entrance of MouseGear beside the Fountain of Nations in Innoventions Plaza, and on the walkway between Future World and World Showcase alongside the kiddie fountain.

The Attraction That Never Was

Did you ever notice that there is an empty building alongside World Showcase that has never been occupied since Epcot opened in 1982? This building, located in Germany is rumored to have supposed to have been Rhine River. Rhine River was supposed to be a cruise attraction which would have taken guests on a boat ride through the German countryside.

Visit us next Tuesday as I reveal some more of the many secrets at Epcot.

See ya real soon!!

Kelly

Photo Plans Save You Time

Money Saver Monday!!

From time to time I share a tip that follows the saying "time is money." This tip comes straight from me to you and it has the potential to save you so much time on your Disney vacation. Keep in mind that successful Disney vacations are well planned. People that have done their research and know what they want to do, feel that they have gotten their money's worth and they will make more repeat trips in the future.

About 95% of Disney travelers will spend time meeting characters or getting their picture taken using Disney's Photopass. Waiting in line is a great time to prepare yourself for the 45 seconds of fame you will have once you have reached the front of the line and get your pictures taken. Here are some tips to get it done efficiently yet still get your photo/video done.

• Have cameras out of camera bags
• Turn the camera on/take the lens cap off
• Have the autograph books out with the page open(characters can't flip through pages)
• Have your pen open and ready to go
• Make sure children are out of the stroller and ready to go before it’s your turn.

One part of planning my Walt Disney World vacation is actually planning how I want pictures to be taken. Now if you are a smaller family you may not need to do this as thoroughly. If you are traveling with a party of 6 or more I recommend having a photo plan.

• Decide what order you want to go up in.
• There may be certain characters that you want the whole family to be in and some that you only want the kiddos in.

Being prepared can save you a ton of time on your vacation and can help you have cherished memories that you will forever love once you get home.

If you have any money saving tips you would like featured on Money Saver Monday, email me at kno2879@gmail.com. Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter....we would love to have you as a fan!!

See ya real soon!!

Kelly