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.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lorenjavier/5023032096/

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.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kathika/2541191225/

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.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/inazakira/5178158628/

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

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

A Disney Bird's Dream for Epcot

Please give a warm welcome to Disney Bird! This is her very first "official" article here at Disney Guru. We are so very blessed to have her here. Please visit her on her website Disney Bird or visit her on Facebook and "like" her page. 

Hey, Bird here! This month at Disney Guru we’re focusing on Epcot, a Disney treasure. At first glance it may appear as though Epcot is missing that "Disney magic" or that "Disney flair" because it's not centered around Disney characters or movies. Upon closer inspection though, you can see that Epcot offers so much more than that. Epcot allows people to see both where we've come from and where we're headed, in addition to taking us on a trip around the world! Where else could you experience all of that in a single day?!

As I said last week, I'm no park expert (yet). My only recollection of Epcot was from my last trip in 2008. I'll be honest though, aside from a meandering stroll through the World Showcase, and checking out some other popular attractions, I too missed out on so much Epcot has to offer. As this was the case, I decided to take a different approach. I'll be listing what I am most looking forward to experiencing at Epcot in a few weeks and asking for suggestions for must see's.

Let me start by saying, I want to see everything at Epcot. The following list is just some of my top picks, and with 10 of us total, I'm sure there'll be several other attractions/stops on everyone's lists as well.

In Future World:

• Spaceship Earth
  Especially looking forward to taking Bug on this one- a nice little history lesson
  
  
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends
  I think Bubby is especially going to love this one, maybe as much as I did

• Turtle Talk with Crush
  I had a blast with this one last time. I can't wait to see what the kids think of this little gem
  
  
• Coral Reef Restaurant
  We have an ADR there for lunch on my anniversary
  
  
• Club Cool near Innoventions
  To taste Coca Cola products from around the world
  What's that one I'm supposed to get everyone to try?!
  
  
• Test Track
  Bug wants to do this one "whenever we go" as she is always saying

In World Showcase:

• All of the World Showcase pavilions (that should go without saying), especially Germany
  My maternal grandmother is from Austria (my grandparents met while my Papaw was stationed there after the Korean War), and my mama and uncles were all born in Austria and Germany. My Nana took me both to Austria and Germany, as well as some surrounding countries the summer after 5th grade, and I was most intrigued. I really enjoy the culture and being able to come close to my "roots" at Epcot is wonderful. 

• Impressions de France show
  
  
• Bijutsu-Kan Gallery in Japan
  
  
• The Pearl Experience in Japan
  What's the pearl experience, you ask? Well, it's this amazing little "activity" you can do in one of the shops in the Japan pavilion. They have these tanks set up filled with all kinds of oysters, and for a price you get to pick one. They'll crack it open for you, and you keep the pearl inside! They will check the pearl out and let you know what it's worth, and for an additional price they'll even put it in a jewelry setting for you! We saw this on our last trip, and for whatever reason I didn't get one. Trust me, I kicked myself the rest of the trip for not doing it!

• Paper Fans in Japan
  I heard about these great little souvenirs from DeAnna at The Affordable Mouse. You can purchase an inexpensive paper fan and take it to the back counter where they will personalize it with your name written in Japanese, for free! They also provide you with gift boxes and stickers for the boxes, also free. Thanks, DeAnna for the wonderful tip!
  
  
• American Heritage Gallery
  
  
• La Bottega Italiana in Italy
  I'm looking forward to checking out the Venetian masks here
  
  
• Der Teddybear in Germany (German toy shop)
  
  
• Kunstarbeit in Kristall in Germany featuring glassware
  
  
• Sussigkeiten in Germany (German confections)
  
  
• Volkskunst in Germany
   To check out the cuckoo clocks. Visiting at my grandparents, I always enjoyed seeing their cuckoo clocks brought straight over from Germany
  
  
• Weinkeller in Germany
  To do some wine tasting (I love German wines!)
  
  
• Die Weihnachts Ecke in Germany
  To get some Christmas ornaments and check out the nutcrackers. When Boo and I were there I came home with 4 Christmas ornaments!
  
  
• Sommerfest in Germany
  To maybe enjoy an afternoon meal, possibly a frankfurter or bratwurst with sauerkraut- yum!!
  
  
• Reflections of China show
  360º show shown in the Temple of Heaven (no seats, standing only)
  
  
• The Chinese acrobats, street performers
  
  
• House of Whispering Willows, an exhibit of ancient Chinese art
  
  
• Mexico's frozen drink stand
  My hubby and I shared some frozen margaritas while strolling the promenade and since I'll be there on our anniversary (sadly, without him) I hope to enjoy one and relive the wonderful memories of our '08 trip :-)

 We'll also be attempting to tackle all of the KidCot fun stops along the way, and maybe the passport as well. I'm also very much looking forward to seeing IllumiNations!!

Some of you may have noticed a BIG attraction (or two) missing from my list... Soarin'. The hubby had been on it before and wasn't all that impressed, so we skipped right over it last time. I'm not quite sure what he didn't like about it because it seems like quite an experience to me. However, unless someone else in the group really wants to do it, I'm not hard-up to stand in the outrageous lines for it this time around since the kids are really too little for it. I'd rather spend the time doing something we could all enjoy. I have faith it's not going anywhere anytime soon :-)

So, there you have it- my Epcot To-Do list! Please, I'd love to hear your suggestions! I'm looking forward to this month's posts from the true Disney Gurus here- I'll be taking notes!

My next post won't be until after I return from Disney (where hopefully I'll be a little closer to "Guru" status, lol), but in the meantime, please feel free to come see me at DisneyBird.

See ya soon!

Bird

An Inspiration of Dreams: Epcot

Living the Fairytale Life with Belinda!

I couldn’t be more excited about the month of May; Celebrating Epcot in all its glory. Many of us have never truly taken the time to delve into this park and really gain an understanding for all of the dreams and inspiration that Walt had for Epcot.  With all of the attractions, technology, restaurants and landscape, their comes a story, a history of Walt that lives within the park every time we visit. My hope is that you all will follow us during this month as we pay tribute to a park and a man that shared his dreams of technology and life with all of us.  Join us as we share some of our favorite attractions, memories and dreams of all things EPCOT.

As a little girl I remember visiting Disney World very clearly. The first park that always came to mind of course was Magic Kingdom. As a kid I loved it. I can remember them taking me to Epcot for the first time as well, and as a child, I was bored. I didn’t feel that spark that I got when I was spending the day around Cinderella’s Castle. As I grew into my teens, I still dreaded the annual Epcot visit each time we visited Disney World. I never dreamed as a child that all that would change. Now, as an adult, Epcot has become my heart and on my top favorite list.

Epcot inspires me, it helps my husband and I to dream for tomorrow and live for today all in one visit. From World Showcase to Innoventions, Test track and Finding Nemo, all of these attractions and sights in Epcot make us feel a sense of Walt within us and our hearts.  Epcot is a celebration of life, of freedom, and of the dreams that live in all of our hearts. Take for example, Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. This mesmerizing show embraces Walt’s vision of humanity and the American dream.

In 1999 Epcot offered the LEAVE A LEGACY. A max of seven-hundred thousand guests could pay a nominal fee to have their photo placed on a square tile and placed on a wall surrounding Spaceship Earth. This program ended in June 2007. My husband and I feel so blessed to have participated in this. Now, every time we visit, we find magic in our hearts knowing that we are a part of Walt’s dream every day.

My husband and I make it a point with every trip to spend at least two full days at Epcot. From dining in World Showcase to embracing some of our most favorite Disney attractions, Epcot has become a part of us and our love for Disney. Join us this month as we celebrate the dreams, the magic and inspirations of life that Walt created for all of us to enjoy….. EPCOT!

Keep Believing

Belinda

Walt's Vision for Epcot

Attraction Tuesday!!! 

This month at Disney Guru we are going to do some fun posts about Epcot. All of the Disney Guru girls are going to share what they love about Epcot. We chose to do this special on Epcot because we truly feel that it is a park full of hidden gems and wonders. It is a place that many people wont delve into in fear that it is too complex for their family. It is our hope that after we share the special elements of Epcot with you, you will feel inspired to explore Epcot on your next Walt Disney World vacation!


The differences from Magic Kingdom to Epcot are huge as Epcot's focus is on human journey of imagination, creation and how we are all different yet the same.  Walt did not live to see even the beginning stages of Epcot, but his vision still holds true. He wanted this park to be a celebration of life. Walt wanted to see humankind live harmoniously to create a better earth.  


One of my favorite attractions at Magic Kingdom is the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. On this journey you will pass through Walt's City of the Future Model. This vision was in full what Walt wanted to see happen at Epcot. Walt wanted his model to be a dynamic community that changed with human growth and technology. 


It was not until Walt's passing in 1966 that the plans for Epcot had changed drastically. The park went from one park to a divided park. One of the parks was to showcase the future of technology while the other was a tribute to cultures from around the world.  While it took many debates amongst the Imagineers, they came together to create a park full of wonder and beauty that of which is a true celebration of life and what we as humans can do with it. 


I never forget Walt as I think about my second home, the most magical place on earth. I feel that when I know his vision for his special place it truly helps me to appreciate the thought and dedication that went into creating "our" favorite place to be in the whole entire world.  I hope that you enjoy May here at Disney Guru as we delve into Epcot, the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. 


See ya real soon!!
Kelly 

Romance in Disney ~ Four Parks One Love

Living the Fairytale Life with Belinda!!!!

There is no better feeling than walking down Main Street at Magic Kingdom listening to the sounds and taking in the sights of Cinderella’s Castle…. Unless of course; you are sharing this moment with that special someone. I have been so very blessed to spend all of my magical moments in Disney with an amazing husband. The magic that the Disney parks brings to our life and our marriage is some of the most memorable moments of our lives. One not need children to bring out the childlike innocence and the magic that Disney creates. It’s all around us at the Disney parks and at the end of the day when you exit; your hearts will have connected in a way that only Disney can do. It’s purely magical!

These are some of our favorite things to do while visiting the parks as a Disney couple.

Magic Kingdom

Picture from onlywdworld.com

The Magic Kingdom Park to me screams romance from the moment Cinderella’s Castle is in plain view. There are a few attractions at this park that always gives my heart some extra gushiness and with my hubby right beside me, these moments are priceless. If you’re at the Magic Kingdom Park in the evening, don’t miss Wishes! A nighttime fireworks spectacular that brings tears to your eyes, joy to your heart and simply takes your breath away!

Peter Pan's Flight

Photo from onlywdworld.com

 I love this attraction! There is nothing like boarding Peter’s pirate ship for an adventure to Never Land. The highlight of romance for this attraction and my all-time favorite part is flying over London. Simply amazing! When you look down below you get a nighttime view of the city twinkling with blue lights, it is so beautiful. Keep your eyes on the lookout for the London Bridge and Big Ben. This attraction tells the story of Peter Pan in a quick 3 minute adventure that makes any romantic couple never want to grow up!

Mickey's Philharmagic 

Photo from  Themeparkreview.com

Where do I begin…My Favorite 3-D attraction in all of Disneyworld! This show is offered several times a day and is a must see for any Disney couple! With music, special effects and some of Disney’s most popular animated films, this attraction is priceless. Once you don your 3-D glasses get ready as Donald and Mickey take you on an adventure for the eyes and ears. I have to admit, I have never watched this show without shedding tears…Ok, so I let out a secret! Grab your sweetheart as you fly with Jasmine and Aladdin to the sounds of A Whole New World, dine in pure delight with Lumiere and Cogsworth and go under the sea with Ariel, not to mention a few other surprises. The music itself puts a lump in my throat; you get the feeling that you’re living the movies. It puts you right in the middle of the magic and with the 3-D effect, you definitely feel like you lived a fairytale. You won’t be disappointed by this attraction, and if you’re like me…. Hide some tissues in your pocket. 

Epcot

Photo From disneydreamtravel.com

The Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow! Epcot is another favorite on our list of parks to spark the romance bug. This park is very interactive which is good for couples. It brings people closer together by the interaction and closeness of a lot of the attractions.

We love World Showcase; it’s our favorite part of Epcot. What could be more romantic than traveling the world sightseeing, eating and shopping, all from one convenient location? Disney does this perfectly. Some of our favorite countries to visit are Germany, Norway and Italy. All of these countries have such great detail and are perfect for picture taking. If you’re like me; …. You take pictures of everything. 

Another fun thing to do at Epcot is called, The What If Labs sponsored by Kodak. These interaction stations are so much fun to do with that special someone. Shawn and I always laugh until we cry with all the fun yet funny things you can do! You can conduct an orchestra, step on stones to create music and distort your body through a mirror, which can be some pretty silly fun. Our favorites here are the photo booths where you can put your face into pretty much anything. We never leave without a few giggles and some pictures that are priceless. This is such a fun way for couples to interact, working together to create magic and making photos that you’re sure to laugh about for years to come!

Shawn and I at the Kodak What If Labs

If you’re at World Showcase in the evening, be sure to stay for Illuminations-Reflections of Earth! A nighttime show with lasers, fireworks, music and fountains that presents the history of our planet in a breathtaking way! Bring the tissues, this show is priceless.

Hollywood Studios

Photo from Disney-deskopwallpaper.com

Welcome to Hollywood! Take two! This Park is truly nostalgic and fitting for any Disney couple. Step back to yesteryear as you walk Hollywood Boulevard taking in the sights and sounds of movies and magic! Our all-time favorite Disney Princess movie is Beauty and the Beast. It has kind of a personal meaning for Shawn and me and so we as a Disney couple love seeing The Beauty and Beast live on stage show. Ahhh… Be our Guest, Be our Guest, put our service to the test….. 

 A truly romantic and foot stomping stage show that brings the story of Belle and the Beast to life live on stage. The props are a must see and the music will stay in your heart forever.

Fantasmic

 On select nights at Hollywood Studios, be sure to stay for Fantasmic! A truly awesome show filled with fireworks, lasers, fountains and lots of Disney characters. This is a truly magical Disney show presented live and told by Mickey himself. I remember the first time Shawn and I saw this show…. The music started, my heart started to pound with excitement, Mickey appeared handsome as ever, and then it happened, Mickey raised his arms while fire flared from his fingertips! I realized then that I had tears streaming down my face, as I looked over at Shawn, it was another magic moment when I knew we we’re meant for each other because…. He had tears too.

 Animal Kingdom

Shawn and I in front of the Tree of Life

Venture on a romantic getaway just like Tarzan and Jane as you enter the gates of Animal Kingdom! Shawn and I think that the most romantic part of Animal Kingdom is the surroundings itself.  There is nothing like feeling as if your spending the day in Africa or Asia with that special someone. We love the outdoors and are huge animal lovers so this park truly engulfs the romance the two of us share. We spend a lot of our time on the nature trails here. They are unguided and are the perfect way for you to enjoy a romantic walk through the lush landscape and winding paths to view birds and other small exotic animals

One must see for us at this park is the Festival of the Lion King Show. This is another sentimental attraction for us as it has so much meaning.  This live show is now enclosed and features performers in animal costumes along with singers draped in colorful African attire. There are also acrobatics’ and props to help add to the live show. The music itself gets me every time; songs such as; “Can you Feel the Love Tonight,” and “The Circle of Life” are performed.  We even named our Cat child we got a few years ago Simba. Shawn got me one day when he called me in the living room and had Simba (our cat child) held up to the ceiling singing The Circle of Life. It was such a magical moment! This show is a must see for anyone that has love in their heart, you may have to wait an hour or two but believe me… you won’t be disappointed.

 Romance is everywhere in Disneyworld. From the moment you arrive, until the time you leave, you are taken to a place that can only be created by Disney. My heart is full of so many romantic memories that I have shared with my husband; from all the laughs to all the tears, every year our journeys to the parks bring us closer together. Sharing in the magic and the love at a place where dreams come true. I hope that all of you get the opportunity to embrace the love and magic that Disney has to offer with your special someone just as I have. It’s an overwhelming feeling that will truly have your heart crying for more.

Keep Believing

Belinda

Oktoberfest is Year Round at Biergarten

Photo from wdwinfo.com via google images

Biergarten

Germany Pavilion, Epcot World Showcase

Location: Germany Pavilion

Cusine: German

Lunch & Dinner 

Experience: Special & Unique Dining

Price: $15-$35.99

Disney Dining Plan accepted 

Dine, dance, drink and be entertained at Biergarten, where it is always Oktoberfest!!! Enjoy traditional German dishes, complimented by German wine, beer and a live performance by an oompah band.

Biergarten offers lunch and dinner buffets. Diners will enjoy their meal at large shared tables that seat 8. In between getting to know other table guests and eating, diners will also enjoy traditional tunes played by the oompah band. Tunes such as Edelweiss and the Bird Dance are designed to get the crowd brewing with participation. Families are encouraged to hit the dance floor and dance the polka!!!

Before hitting the buffet adults should check out the beverage menu as it is fully stocked with German beer and wine. I took advantage of trying a light beer flight…it was super yummy and allowed me to try 4 German beers.

There is a cold section of the buffet which includes cold meats and cheeses. The traditional German eats that you can expect to taste are German bread such as pretzel bread, steaming hot plates of  meatballs, pork, salmon fillet with a light dill sauce, bratwurst, and an accompanying condiment bar with hot mustard, sweet mustard, relish, chutney, catsup, curry catsup.  Pork shank gratin that was bits of pork shank mixed with light sauerkraut, and topped with mashed potatoes and cheese.  At another hot station were glazed carrots, roasted potatoes, pork schnitzel with hunter sauce, and a carving station with sliced roast pork and meatloaf.    I recommend trying the potato leek soup, this is by far one of the best soups I have had on WDW property!! Yummy!! Another item we fell in love with were the potato dumplings with bread crumb butter…oh my just delicious!! I love the challenge of bringing children to a place where they can sample new foods. My kids LOVED this food!!

Photo From www.dadsguidetowdw.com via google images

While you are eating the oopah band is sure to rock the house with their traditional German sounds. From the minute they started playing to the end all three of my kids were fully engaged in this show. (Kids ages are 2,6 & 13)

Photo from mousebeat.com via google images

The dessert is always my favorite part of eating at WDW!  Items such as Bavarian cheesecake, Apple Strudel with vanilla sauce, fruit salad, a Black Forest cake roll, vanilla pudding with chocolate sprinkles, and cookies. I am going to have to say that the Apple Strudel with vanilla sauce was my personal favorite!!!

While I have only eaten at Biergarten once, I am going to have to add it to my must-do list for every trip to WDW! I love the fact that we get a dinner show with our meal, my kids are exposed to new foods and cultures and for those on the dining plan, it will only cost you one dinner credit. I am going to rate Biergarten a 9!!

Have you entered in our contest to win a free $10 Disney gift card? Click here for details. 

See ya real soon!!

Kelly