45 Day Celebration

Callooh Callay there are only 45 more days until the Frabjous Day!  Welcome Tasters of Tea and Admirers of Alice!  Today is a most amazing autumn afternoon here in Wonderland!  Please do come and find your favorite spot at our Grand Tea Table and allow the Dormouse to pour you a spot or two of your favorite brew!  We have so little time and so much to do, so let's make haste and relax so I can share some things with you!

Since there are only 45 days until our most anticipated adventure to the House of the Mouse, we are anxiously awaiting some more magical mail in our mailbox.  Our travel packets, including the Magical Express tags and our resort information, should be coming within the next few weeks which will totally make this trip more real than it already is.  Speaking of trip reality, our good friend Jenn only has 7 more days until her trip of a lifetime.  I still cannot believe that her and her prince get to experience the Magic for 10 days and get to attend Mickey's Not-So Scary Halloween Party, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Epcot's Food and Wine festival, AND a Tour!  That definitely sounds like a future Honeymoon trip for Prince Richard and I someday!  Unfortunately she will not get to experience the Grand Opening of the new Fantasyland on December 6th, but I am sure Prince Richard and I will have enough pictures to share with her when we return!

Speaking of  Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Halloween is approaching quite fast!  When I was thinking of my costume for this Halloween, Alice immediately came to my mind.  Paying homage to my favorite curious character was definitely something I wanted to try out.  After visiting some Halloween stores, I became quite discouraged when I saw some of the "renditions" of Alice costumes they were selling.  None of the costumes left much to the imagination, which is definitely out of my comfort zone.  While talking to Jenn, she asked if I had heard about a blog called DisneyBound for some Alice inspiration.  Since I had not, I ventured over to see what it was all about.  All I have to say about this blog is that it is pure genius!  Hundreds of outfits inspired by Disney characters, resorts, parks, and shows fill the almost 800 pages of this blog.  The great thing about these outfits is that they are not just Halloween costumes, but rather outfits you could wear everyday!  Several Alice inspired outfits were on the blog, and after viewing them, I decided to utilize these outfits to design an outfit of my own!  So after some searching, I was able to find the perfect dress, stockings, shoes, and a headband for my Alice outfit.  All I need now is an apron and I will be all set!  I can't wait to share the finished product with all of you at our next Grand Tea!

Ah, I've missed our Grand Teas very much these past few weeks.  Don't fret though friends, the March Hare and I have been working diligently in the kitchen working on special treats to share with all of our friends.  So if you don't mind, I would like to update you on our Tea Time Treats.  If you remember our last Tea Time Treats segment (On October 9th for those who have been hitting the Forgetful Fudge a little hard lately), the March Hare and I shared our Princess Pillow ring with you.  At the end of our party, I mentioned that we were debating trying out different versions of the Princess Pillows.  I am happy to report that we experimented with not one but TWO new Princess Pillow creations and both were outstanding!  Although the variations have different fillings, they both dropped the ring concept and focused more on the individual (Crescent)pillow aspect.  To create a pastry that holds the right amount of filling, we used crescents that were 50% larger than the originals.  The first experiment was adding fresh strawberries to the original Princess Pillow filling to create a more "romantic" feeling of having a chocolate covered strawberry.  After they were done baking, the March Hare suggested that we top them off with some special treats.  I totally agreed with him and topped them all off with a drizzle of milk chocolate and some special ones that were to be delivered to the White Queen were topped with a "Kiss" of coconut.  In her words, they were "Purely Perfect", and Prince Richard approved of the ones without coconut (since he can't stand coconut).  With the approval of the March Hare and I, along with Prince Richard and the White Queen, it was time that we announced that the Original Princess Pillows were unanimously upgraded.

Now onto our second variation of our Princess Pillows.  When autumn reaches Wonderland, the White Queen hosts a Harvest Feast for all those that are "Pure of heart" at her Castle, Marmoreal.  Princes and Princesses, Kings and Queens from across all lands come every year to celebrate the bountiful harvests of their kingdoms.  Rumor has it that this year, Cinderella will claim the Perfect Pumpkin title and sent over some of her pumpkins for the March Hare and I to prepare into delicious dishes.  With so many autumn recipes that showcase pumpkin, it was hard to pick the perfect one.  After spending a few days thinking about what to create, I offered the March Hare an idea.  Since the White Queen loved our Original Princess Pillows, why not make a Pumpkin variety and name them after Cinderella!  He loved the idea so much, he whisked me into the kitchen to start experimenting with fillings.  We stayed with some of the original ingredients but added some of Cinderella's Pumpkin and some secret spices.  After adding more of this and that, we found the perfect combination of flavors and packed them into little Pillows. When they were done, we drizzled them with milk chocolate and cream cheese icing and let them set.  Once again we brought some samples up to the White Queen to see if they were worthy of her feast.  She stated that the Cinderellas were "Pumpkin Perfection" and requested the March Hare and I make dozens for her feast! 

Although I am quite happy we are able to share more delicious Tea Time Treats, I am still a little saddened over the pause in our Most Valuable Tea Party Guest celebrations.  I've extended invitations to some friends who have visited WDW but have yet to receive any replies back.  Hopefully my mom will come through and allow us to honor her with a special party since she is one of the people who created my Disney obsession!  I do hope I get a chance to honor each and every one of my Tea Party Guests with a party of their own.  I thank those who have taken the time to share their stories with all of our Tea Party friends, and do hope that they will spread the word that all the best parties happen in Wonderland.  That's all I have to share with you now.  Thank you all so much for being a part of our 45 day celebration.  I cannot wait to see you all again at our next party!  Have a magical evening and remember, Wonderland is but a Daydream away!

Tea Time Treats Nutella Ring

Ah another beautiful morning in Wonderland!  The Bread-and-Butterflies are out and about, the  Sweeping Dog is sweeping up all the leaves that have fallen, and a sweet aroma is dancing in the Winds of Wonderland.  What a great Tuesday Morning for some Tea Time Treats with my many valued Tea Party Guests.

The crisp Autumn air has taken over Wonderland making all of the inhabitants reluctant to leave their warm flower beds to meet the chilly early morning air.  Although the afternoons often are quite warm after the sun has been out for a while, the dark, chilly mornings sometimes don't quite set the cheery mood needed for a day of work.  In order to jump out of the same mundane morning routine, a cup of hot coffee (or TEA!) and some pastries does wonders for the soul.  In order for me to be excited for breakfast, it's got to have that Wonderland "WOW" factor.  Today I would like to share with you a simple, hot breakfast pastry you can make for you and your family to make waking up at sunrise a little easier.

I've not yet named this delicious creation, but it definitely reminds me of a Princess Pillow!  This fairy tale inspired breakfast consists of buttery, flaky crescent dough filled with smooth cream cheese, decadent Nutella and perfectly powdered sugar!  Of course this pastry would not be complete with additional melted Nutella and powdered sugar on top!  Although it sounds fancy, it is actually quite simple to make.  The great thing about this pastry ring is that not only is it great for a hot breakfast, but is delicious later on in the day when you chill it in the fridge.  Paired with either an iced cold glass of milk (I prefer Almond milk, but your call) or some piping hot hazelnut coffee with pumpkin spice cream, this breakfast will surely turn any slow caterpillar into a March Hare in no time!  

Whether you make it just for yourself, or share with friends, this delicious ring surely will not disappoint.  Prince Richard loved it, and was even open to different variations of it.  I had an idea how to make this Princess Pillow a bit more royal by adding some fresh strawberries into the filling.  I don't think it gets more romantic than chocolate covered strawberries for breakfast!  I do hope you will try this recipe out and share your thoughts with the rest of the party.  As always, it has been a pleasure sharing these Tea Time Treats with you.  Have a magical day and remember, Wonderland is but a daydream away!

Most Valuable Tea Party Guest Jenn

A Very Merry Unbirthday to all of my tea party guests!  Another Fabulous Friday is upon us here in Wonderland.  Have you got any plans for this long holiday weekend?  I heard the Queen will be out of town so I'm sure things will be a little Wild in Wonderland.  So far I've got no plans except for of course puttering around the kitchen with the March Hare, and Prince Richard will be working on his golf swing with his brothers. 

Oh dear me, we aren't here for an update of mine, we are here for a HUGE celebration!  Since today is Friday, that means today is a day to honor another one of our Most Valuable Tea Party Guests!  Today's Guest of Honor is a frequent to our Tea Parties here in Wonderland.  In fact, it was our special tea parties that inspired her to write a blog of her own.  Our good friend Jenn and her Prince Charming have only 27 more days until their most magical journey to the Mouse's House.  Jenn is a lover of all things Disney just like all of us, and truly a great woman.  Today we honor you Jenn with plentiful pastries and a Terrific Tea Time Thanks!  I hope all of my Tea Party Guests enjoy this special interview with a Great Friend.  Have a magical day and remember, Wonderland is but a Daydream away!

About the Resorts in General
How many times have you been to WDW/DL?
I’ve been to Walt Disney World five times, with another upcoming trip in November.
I’ve never had the magic of any Disneylands around the world, but I do plan on getting
to Anaheim and Paris at some point!

Are you a driver or a flyer?
Due to my Prince’s motion sickness, flying is the method of transportation you will find us in. However, I have made the lovely 23 hour drive, and would love to do it again (Roadtrip Style only!)

Do you prefer staying off or on Disney property?
100% ON! While staying off Disney property when I went with a large group of family was nice (having our own rooms, a full kitchen, multiple bathrooms!) I definitely prefer how much easier it is staying on Disney properties. Transportation is a sinch, no parking fees, no long drives after a fun filled day at the parks. Everything is close, and nothing is greater than being closer to the magic!

What resorts have you stayed at?
I have stayed at Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Our upcoming trip will be spent at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort. Our goal is to stay at all 23 resorts!

Fav/least fav resort and why?
While I have only stayed at two resorts, we have definitely gone out and explored others! My favorite resort would have to be Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Amazing food, amazing decor, a beach, and views of Cinderella’s Castle?! How does it get any better?!
My least favorite resort thus far has been Coronado Springs, and for one reason only. We could NOT figure out how to eat there!!! It seemed like everything was always closed (even at regular hours during the day) and we could not find ourselves anything! We ended up going for Room Service because of it, which everyone knows can be a pretty penny.

What do you look for when picking a resort?
I look for a few things. For one, price. I am pretty sure this is everyone's number one deciding factor. While I would love to drop $400.00 a night for my stay at Disney’s Polynesian, being a recent college grad with loan debt galore, puts that a little out of reach. Therefore I look for something within my price range, that still offers me what I want out of my trip. Second would be food. Wherever I stay must have accessible food (because as I said with my least favorite resort, it was awful not knowing how to get food!) Another is location. I like resorts that are close to something I like.

What kind or resorts do you prefer (value-deluxe) and why?
I prefer moderate resorts. Disney runs sales where you can receive a stay at a moderate resort fairly close in price to a value resort. However, they offer you a feeling of a bit more luxurious vacation, without the luxurious pricing.

When is your favorite time of year to go?
I love going in the fall/winter. Being a New Englander, we are getting our cold weather, blizzards, everything we want to escape from. Going to Florida at this time is great because their temperatures are still in the 70s and 80s, so you are comfortable and not scorching in the heat! Also, Disney has many events from September to December which are great to go experience!

Do you take advantage of Dining Plans? Which one do you prefer and why?
I have not previously participated in a Disney dining plan. However, my upcoming trip I signed up for the Disney Magic Your Way Plus Dining package. Disney was offering this discounted for my vacation arrival date, so I am getting a great package at a cheaper price! I am very excited to participate in more sit down dining versus quick service. We have always been grabbing and going while a Disney, and since we are taking a longer trip it will be nice to sit back and enjoy more of Disney’s magic.

About the Parks in general

What is your favorite park/least favorite theme park and why?
My favorite park is Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I love animals, and would live in a zoo if I could. I also love the African theming in the back area of the park. Africa is one place I would love to visit, but honestly probably never will. Getting to experience African traditions mixed with Disney magic and exotic animals, it is a perfect place for me!
My least favorite park would have to be Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While I like this park, I feel that it should offer more than it does. I mean come on, a whole park based on movies, and that’s all we got?! As I said, I enjoy it, I just feel that they should offer more to it to make me want to spend more time there.

Do you take time to spend at waterparks? If yes, preference?
No, I haven't spent time at the WaterParks, essentially because I quickly fill my trips with days at the four main Disney parks. I would love to go for a day though, just for the experience of it.

Favorite mode of transportation (monorail, boat, bus, personal car)?
MONORAIL! Quick and great views, plus it goes THROUGH a hotel! Come on now!

Do you take advantage of EMH? If yes, do you prefer AM or PM EMH?
Yes! I love the night extra magic hours! I am in no way an early bird, so getting an extra three hours at the park at night is amazing! So much quieter, can hit up most rides in record time, and the stillness of the parks as the night wears on is beyond beautiful.

Ideally, how many days do you think gives you enough time to see/do everything you want to at the parks?
I think you need a solid week to fit in everything. This would be arriving at 10:00am or earlier on day one, and leaving at 7:00pm or later on day seven. Think about it, you have four parks, there is a solid four days. A couple of parks require a little more time, there makes day five. Add in one water park, there is day six. And I always suggest a relaxation day. Whether you want to spend some of it at the parks or not, take time to explore other resorts (you’d be amazed at what some have to offer non-guests!), time at DownTown Disney, or time to just relax by the pool! It is a vacation after all, and you should give yourself some quiet time as well! (Especially after those PM EMH!)

Inside the parks

If you could only ride one ride in each park what would you ride?
Magic Kingdom - It’s A Small World - Classic Ride, really lets you know you are in Walt Disney World. Also, it is the only ride at every DisneyLand/DisneyWorld location.
Epcot - World Showcase - not really a ride, but I love feeling like I am traveling the world in a day. I love the food, love the culture, it is such a great experience that I just cannot miss.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios - Rockin’ Rollercoaster - Favorite ride, plus on of the only real roller coasters offered at Disney. Plus, who doesn’t love Aerosmith!
Animal Kingdom - Expedition Everest - Love love love this ride! Oh the Yeti!

Do you visit the characters?
I try!!! I don’t like staying in line for characters because I know how badly children want to meet Cinderella, or Mickey Mouse. But that is why I like to participate in Character Dining, so I get a few minutes with various characters without feeling I am taking away from anyone else.

Do you buy photos from the attractions (or any pics taken by Disney Photographers)/take advantage of Disney’s Photopass(+)?
I bought photos when I went in on my high school Honor Society trip, and when I got engaged. I don’t believe in buying ride photos every time you go, unless they are something REALLY good! But photos are the key to your memories, so they are essential! If there are only two people going, getting the Disney Photopass is definitely worth it so that you can be in photos together! (And not just close ups of your face!)

Do you have a “system” when choosing which rides to ride and when?
I hit up the rides I want most first. Then I base it off of wait times. Like at Magic Kingdom, It’s A Small World, Peter Pan, and Space Mountain are in my immediate future. Generally, I Fast Pass Space Mountain, depending on the time of the wait will do the rides in Tomorrowland, or if its a long wait, go do It’s A Small World. After Space Mountain, Fast Pass Peter Pan (since it is always a long wait). Same thing, do a couple of rides in Fantasyland, then boom! My favorite rides are obtained within a couple of hours! This makes the rest of my day a breeze!

What is your favorite fireworks display and why?
I personally love Wishes. I love the various shows that they do. I love the traditional, with the Disney Villains. I especially love Christmas Wishes offered at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. I have heard Halloween Wishes is amazing, and cannot wait to experience them in November!

Do you like watching the live stage shows such as Beauty and the Beast?
I haven’t taken much time to do this! I will say I definitely want to! I have watched The Little Mermaid show, which I loved! But being someone who loves attending Disney musicals, I am sure I would be loving these shows!

Do collect anything from the parks (Pins, pressed pennies, etc)?
Mugs! I love love love coffee mugs!

Dining

Do you have a preference of the type of Dining you like (quick vs table)?
I have mainly participated in quick service dining, which is really good (their Chicken Tenders, ugh, amazing!) However, I have gotten a taste of table service and now I am rearing to go in that direction! Tusker House Character Breakfast, AMAZING. I cannot wait for my next trip, which includes a current EIGHT table service meals.

Where do you dine most (Resort vs Park)?
Park! I don’t like leaving the parks to dine at resorts, though I do have one or two reservations at various resorts. I think if you plan it right it works out. (Ex.: if you are wanting to dine at Ohana or Victoria’s and Alberts, do it on a day at Magic Kingdom. Want a day at the Cape May Cafe? Why not on a day at Epcot?!)

Favorite Restaurants and why?
I love love love Tusker House. Oh the atmosphere! The food! You feel like you are dining somewhere in Africa! I love it!

Which do you prefer more-buffets or standard meal?
Buffets! I am quite the picky eater, so being able to specifically pick what I eat is much more useful to me.

In your opinion, which is the better meal-Breakfast or Lunch/Dinner?
I am a breakfast girl, so I have to say breakfast. Charge up for the day, a quick service meal later, throw in a snack and you are good to go!

Do you like Character Dining?
Love it! It gives you that few minutes with characters that can be hard to obtain in the parks. No lines, just eat and wait your turn!

Do you prefer quiet intimate dining or busy loud dining?
Loud! Come on now, we are at Disney! Make it a party!

What draws you into try a new restaurant (theme, food, price, etc)?
Theme! I love the themes of places, and am intrigued on many! However food impacts it too. (as I said, picky eater!)

Do you have a specific favorite food you MUST get every time you go?
Quick Service Chicken Tenders. I need that recipe!

Weekly Wednesday Wonderland Wrapup

Good evening friends, welcoming wishes to our Weekly Wednesday Wonderland Wrapup finally on a Wednesday again.  So much has been going on here in Wonderland it's hard to keep track of where we are and where we are supposed to be!  Grab your cups of hot coffee and tea but do hurry and come along and sit with me!  I do hope you all kept warm and dry deep in the Tulgey Wood yesterday!  Some evil witch cursed my poor Prince Richard with the beginnings of a cold/flu so he was using his mighty Theraflu elixir in hopes to defeat it last night.  To keep his spirits up, we had a nice hot dinner of Hot Open Chicken Sandwiches on Toasted Italian Bread which really hit the spot. Lady Layla apparently is going through her teenage phase and is more rambunctious than ever before.  We think she has been watching Aladdin too many times when she is home alone because she is starting to become quite the slick pick pocket! 

Can you even believe we only have 67 more days until we are watching retro clips of Sci-Fi Flicks under the stars at the Sci-Fi Dine in Theater at MGM (Disney's Hollywood Studios for those who visited after the name change)!  Almost at the two month mark thank goodness!  It seems as if many of our Facebook friends have either went and returned, are currently at, or will be going before we head down there.  Thankfully almost ALL of these friends are photo fiends and post pics during/after their trip so we can look at them and get even more excited.  Our wonderful friend Jenn is only down to 29 days!  Time does fly by oh so fast when you are waiting for your magic carpet to come pick you up.

Since things have been a bit crazy lately, our Tea Parties have been somewhat neglected lately.  I truly do apologize and hope to keep them more on schedule.  The March Hare and I have hopefully devised a good system and are planning the menus ahead of time for our Tea Time Treats segments on Tuesdays.  Hopefully the Queen of Hearts will be pleased with what we have to offer or our heads will certainly roll!   

Speaking of Tea Parties, I am a little saddened to report that we only have one more special party scheduled for one of our Most Valuable Tea Party Guests.  Friday will be our last party, that is unless some of our more quiet types gain the courage to speak up and share with the rest of us!  I do hope that more of my dear friends will share their experiences with us because after all, sharing is caring!  If we must postpone the segment for a little while, so be it, but I really would much rather not. 

Well now that Wrapup wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be for missing so many parties.  I was worried we would be here for ages and run into the time allotted for our Most Valuable Tea Party Guest!  Friends, I would just like to thank you all again for being so loyal and attending our parties.  We've shared many laughs, many cups of tea, and all kinds of culinary creations.  Knowing that my Tea Party Table will always be surrounded with Alice Enthusiasts and Disney Fanatics really makes me feel loved and appreciated.   That's all the things I think I had planned to share with you all today.  I hope to see you all back on Friday to celebrate this week's Most Valuable Tea Party Guest!  Have a magical day and remember, Wonderland is but a Daydream away!

Tea Time Treats Turkey Dinner

Oh welcome friends, do hurry in and get out of this terrible weather!  Fall has been anything but fun here in Wonderland.  From the bitter chill in the air, to the dangerous downpours,  this is not the weather we are used to here in the Tulgey Wood.  Although we don't like this wet weather, I know the plants and animals need this water, and the vultures sure aren't complaining.   Days like this, staying warm under some fluffy blankets seems like the only reasonable option to keep our bodies warm.  However, even the most comfortable of blankets won't completely warm you up inside.  In order to do that, we must venture into the kitchen of the March Hare for another round of Tea Time Treats! 

According to the March Hare, in order to warm both your body AND soul, you must create a meal fit for a Queen, the Red Queen that is.  When the weather in Wonderland is dreary, the Queen usually asks for two things, a hearty feast filled with all her favorites, and a warm pig belly for her aching feet. 

Unfortunately, all the pigs are currently in the sauna right now, so it looks like we must deal with our aching feet while we prepare a most delicious meal. 

When creating a rainy-day feast, the March Hare suggests making a flavorful feast featuring filling findings that will be sure to help you nap after.  During the colder months, the Queen often requests a full Thanksgiving feast prepared by all of her subjects to thank her for letting them keep their heads.  Strange, I know, but the March Hare really pulls it off and loads the turkey with extra tryptophan to ensure she stays sleeping after dinner.  The Red Queen, unlike her more caring sister the White Queen, requires the feast to be prepared in under 3 hours when it typically takes at least 6 hours.  Sure, the March Hare may have to cut a corner or two, but the end result makes the Queen very happy.  If you are looking to fill your home with amazing aromas, this feast will be perfect for you!

First start your meal with a small turkey to begin building your belly filling plate.  Follow it up with some creamy green bean casserole, two kinds of mashed potatoes, corn bread stuffing, a veggie that compliments potatoes (The March Hare suggests corn), a delicious drizzle of gravy and of course a fresh and flaky buttermilk biscuit to mop up all that deliciousness.  Top it all off with some cranberry sauce (The Red Queen's Favorite part of the feast) and there you have it: A meal fit for a Queen (Or King).  It may seem like a lot of work, but in the end it will be worth the warm belly under a warm blanket.

The March Hare and I hope you take some time and make yourselves a royal feast.  I think sometimes we forget how rewarding a delicious meal is since we are usually on the run.  On a cold dreary day, fill your home with friends, and your bellies with sensational savory samplings.  Another idea would be to host a pot luck to try out everyone's favorite rainy day foods.  That's it for this week, please enjoy your friends and feast!  Have a magical day and remember, Wonderland is but a daydream away!

Tea Time Treats

My most missed Tea Party Guests, I do apologize for my absence this past week.  It seems as if someone stole the Stone of Wonderland and closed the Looking Glass preventing us from crossing over to our Great Tea Parties!  The Queen of Hearts was most furious indeed, and a few heads rolled, but thankfully this Tea Hostess (With the help of a certain Hatter of course) was able to locate the most valuable gem of Wonderland.  Where was it, you ask?  I don't think you would believe me if I told you, so let's just say that it is now confirmed that the Queen sneaks tastes of Pumpkin Pie Pastry filling late at  night when the March Hare is sleeping. 

Speaking of the March Hare, he was becoming more mad by the minute while we were absent.  The Queen was ordering his culinary confections daily, and he was quite overwhelmed with the quantity that she wanted.  Thankfully I arrived just in time to help alleviate him of some kitchen duties.  While working closely with the March Hare, I picked up some tips from him, and shared some of my own secrets on how to keep the Queen happy.  He was so pleased with my help that he offered to make us some delectable delights for our next Tea Party!  Although the March Hare is more known for his desserts, he also makes quite delicious meals!  Today I would like to share with you one of his most fabulous dinners he created after a long weekend full of the Queen's activities.

One cool fall day when the Queen of Hearts was particularly demanding, she ordered the March Hare to make her a most magnificent blasted beast dinner and dessert to share with her deck of cards while watching the croquet match.  Faced with this daunting task, the March Hare remembered his secret weapon that would keep his hands free all day to work on his delicious desserts: his slow cooker! By preparing a succulent soup for her subjects early on in the day, he could spend all the time he needed to on desserts!   His only question about the soup was what to put in it, but since the Queen had such an large garden, he knew he would be bound to find something.

 After scurrying through the garden, he found PLENTY of things to put in the blasted beef soup.  Mushrooms, onions, zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and peppers of red and yellow were more than enough to fill his pot of soup.  With the addition of some beef broth, and secret seasonings, the Queen was sure going to be pleased.

Amazing Aromas filled the air of the kitchen as the blasted beef bubbled in the slow cooker.  As the time grew closer and closer to the croquet match, the March Hare hurried to boil some pasta to soak up some broth.  When the beep of the cooker went off, the heavy trampling footsteps could be heard above as the entire deck of cards shuffled in to pick a spot to watch the match from.  Once the pasta was done, he carefully removed the cover to reveal his delicious dinner...

The Hatter and I helped him bring the soup to the Queen and her company, and swallowed hard as we watched them try it.  Thankfully, they loved it, and ate more and more until they were reminiscent of the Tweedles.  The March Hare was surprised that they loved it, since it was such a simple soup and not a fancy feast as the Queen is usually accustomed to. 

With the weather cooling down here in Wonderland, I think we will need more hot foods to keep us warm  while waiting on our chairs and mushrooms for our Tea Time Treats.  That is why the March Hare and I have decided to share delicious dinners with you all as well as decadent desserts during our Tea Time Treats segment.  I do hope you all enjoy sharing even more food with everyone here in Wonderland.  Now that the Stone of Wonderland is back where it belongs, I hope for no more issues getting our Tea Parties back on track.  Please do remember to return tomorrow for our Weekly Wednesday Wonderland Wrapup!  Have a magical day and remember, Wonderland is but a Daydream away!

Most Valuable Tea Party Guest Prince Richard

A Fabulous Friday to all my Tea Party Guests!  I hope you all have fun adventures planned out!  Wonderland is growing more and more beautiful now that Fall is quickly approaching.  Today's Tea Party is a very special one because I get to introduce you all to my very own Prince Richard!  As you all know, he is my very own King of Hearts, and although he isn't as much as a Disney fanatic as most of us are, I can see the magic building inside of him at the trip approaches.  I cannot wait to experience our first trip alone with the love of my life!  So let's give three cheers for this week's Most Valuable Tea Party Guest, Richard!  I hope you all enjoy his interview!  Have a magical day and remember, Wonderland is but a Daydream away!

About the Resorts in general

How many times have you been to WDW/DL?

I've never been to DL, but I've been 4 times to WDW.  I'm excited about trip number 5 in December

Are you a driver or a flyer?

I like driving to take in all the sites on the way down there

Do you prefer staying off or on Disney property?

I prefer to stay on Disney property because it is easy to navigate around

What resorts have you stayed at?

I've only stayed at AKL once.  The other 3 times I stayed off property.  All-Star Movies seems like a good choice for our December trip.

Fav/least fav resort and why?

Since I only stayed at AKL, I would like to say what my favorite part of the resort is.  Waking up to the animals right outside your window is fantastic

What do you look for when picking a resort?

It's always been picked for me, but having a comfortable place to sleep is important.

What kind or resorts do you prefer (value-deluxe) and why?

I like the Value resorts because they allow you to save some of your money to spend elsewhere like in the parks

When is your favorite time of year to go?

I've only been in Spring and Summer, but I preferred the Summer.

Do you take advantage of Dining Plans?  Which one do you prefer and why?

I've never taken advantage of them.  This year will be first time, but I am looking forward to getting anything I want to eat without having to worry about the price.  Huge Steak here I come!

About the Parks in general

What is your favorite park/least favorite theme park and why?

I would say my favorite park is MGM because I am a HUGE fan of the thrill rides such as Rock N' Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror.  I would say my least favorite would be Epcot.  I'm just not that big of a fan of the World Showcase.  

Do you take time to spend at waterparks? If yes, preference? 

No, I'd rather spend my time in the theme parks.

Favorite mode of transportation (monorail, boat, bus, personal car)?

I prefer to have a personal car so I can have freedom to come and go at whatever hours I choose.

Do you take advantage of EMH?  If yes, do you prefer AM or PM EMH? 

December will be the first time utilizing EMH.  I think the AM ones are better for me because I'm a morning person, but I wish it was more than an hour.

Ideally, how many days do you think gives you enough time to see/do everything you want to at the parks?

I think 5 days would be ideal because too much of a good thing can make you feel like there is no reason to go back if you see too much in one trip.

Inside the parks

If you could only ride one ride in each park what would you ride?

In the MK, I love Space Mountain.  In Epcot, I like the Universe of Energy Starring Ellen and Bill Nye.  Rock N' Roller Coaster is a must in MGM.  When we went to AK, I absolutely loved Expedition Everest.

Do you visit the characters?

I did when I was a kid.  If I see them out and about it is fun to see them, but I don't think I would go out of the way seeking them out

Do you buy photos from the attractions (or any pics taken by Disney Photographers)/take advantage of Disney’s Photopass(+)?

I Don't normally buy pictures due to the outrageous cost, but Photopass+ will save us a lot of money.

Do you have a “system” when choosing which rides to ride and when?

Whatever I'm closest to at the moment usually pans out well.

What is your favorite fireworks display and why?

Fantasmic at MGM because the mix of great music, live action, and the water shields is amazing.

Do you like watching the live stage shows such as Beauty and the Beast? 

I like watching the Indiana Jones show, but the others aren't my cup of tea

Do collect anything from the parks (Pins, pressed pennies, etc)? 

This year is my first time Pin trading and Ally's done a great job hyping me up

Dining

Do you have a preference of the type of Dining you like (quick vs table)?

Quick service is more my thing because it is fast and gives me more time to spend in the parks.

Where do you dine most (Resort vs Park)?

Usually we stayed off property, but last time we were on property we ate at the resort a lot.

Favorite Restaurants and why?

T-Rex cafe because I love dinosaurs.  It's like eating millions of years ago

Which do you prefer more-buffets or standard meal?

All depends on the mood I am in and how hungry I am

In your opinion, which is the better meal-Breakfast or Lunch/Dinner?

Lunch/Dinner is better because I'm not really a breakfast person

Do you like Character Dining?

I've never been before. December will be the first time.

Do you prefer quiet intimate dining or busy loud dining?

I don't like very quiet meals or very loud meals, somewhere in between is best

What draws you into try a new restaurant (theme, food, price, etc)?

 I like an excellent themed restaurant with good prices

Do you have a specific favorite food you MUST get every time you go?

 I don't have one right now but I love trying new things.  Maybe I might find a new favorite this time around

Weekly Wednesday Wonderland Wrapup

Good Morning friends, family, and frequent fallers down the rabbit hole!  I've been expecting you, and even prepared several kinds of tea for you all to enjoy today!  As usual, if you would all be so kind and turn back your watches one day so we can have our Weekly Wednesday Wonderland Wrapup on time!  Everybody set to Wednesday?  Fabulous!  Sit back, relax, and enjoy the weekly happenings of our most beloved Wonderland!

First, of course, a quick update on our Journey.  As of Wednesday, Prince Richard and I are at the 88  day mark!  Our friend Jenn and her Prince just hit their 50 day mark.  These days are just flying now!  I've been trying to satisfy my Disney craving with my Podcasts, but there is nothing like actually walking on Main St. and smelling all the sweets!  Speaking of Main St., I cannot wait to see my first character!  I've already planned for my first purchase (or one of the first) to be an autograph book to capture the memories of meeting all my Disney Pals!  Here in Wonderland, as well as Neverland and all other Disney Lands, you are never too old to be friends with the characters!  While doing my daily Moms Panel review, I stumbled on a great website that will be a great tool to help me (and all of you) meet all my favorites!  The website is called  Intercot, or the Internet Community of Tomorrow (AWESOME play on Epcot lol), and is LOADED with Disney info.  One section I found especially great is the Where Do I Find My Favorite Characters page.  This page gives possible locations of character sightings listed BY CHARACTER and even tells you how frequently you can find them there, or if they are only there for special events.  Of course, locations are subject to change, but from what I remember, a lot of these are pretty accurate.  A highlight (or it might be considered a low) of this page is the fact that it lists "Retired Characters" so you can see if the character you are looking for is even doing meet and greets anymore. 

As for getting our Tea Time Treats segment up and running again, you will all be pleased to know that the Bank of Hearts will be reopening for business today!  Hopefully by Friday or Saturday we will have some delectable desserts and perfect pies for our Tea Parties!  The March Hare has been rambling on about the oven not being hot and ready, so now we will be able to put him to work!

Hopefully sometime in the not so distant future Prince Richard and I can start looking at lanyards for our pins!  My dad came over a few weeks back and we shared our treasure with him!  He even went home with some for himself and my brother!  Even when we aren't in Disney, we all LOVE trading!

It seems as if someone's drank the rest of the tea and didn't pipe up!  How can we ever have a tea party with no tea!  If the Queen was here, you know very well what she would do.  I suppose we must end our morning party earlier than expected.  I do hope you've enjoyed our Weekly Wednesday Wonderland Wrapup.  Perhaps for the next party my guests could suggest some Tea Time Treats they would like me to make for them?  I would love to try some of your favorite treats!  Have a magical day and remember, Wonderland is but a Daydream away!

You're nothing but a pack of cards! or Packing for your journey

Welcome to our Tuesday Tea in Wonderland friends!  I hope you all thoroughly enjoyed your weekend.  Did you explore the underground pathways of the Queen's castle, or did you find a pixie to take you to Neverland?  No matter where you went, I'm sure you had a great time.  Instead of our traditional Tea Time Treats segment today (Bank of Hearts still low on funds), I thought I could share some important packing advice with you.  Please help yourself to some fresh Purpleberry Pasties and some Tiger Tea!

"Good advice. If I listened earlier, I wouldn't be here. But that's just the trouble with me. I give myself very good advice, but I very seldom follow it."-Alice

Some often overlooked parts of packing for a trip to the Happiest Place on Earth are the contents of your carry-on (assuming you are flying for the sake of this conversation).  Most airlines allow you to bring a bag onto the plane with you free of charge, which is excellent, but can be a bit confusing as to what you should pack.  For your arrival day and even day to day, the contents of your carry-on will definitely change.  In order to maximize the functionality of your carry-on, I would recommend utilizing a backpack.  By using a backpack, you can turn your airline carry-on into your bag to carry with you in the parks!

Packing for Disney brings up a lot of questions, especially the dreaded "What if" questions.  I find that the more "What if" questions I think of, the more I tend to over pack.  Depending on your arrival time to Disney, you may need to pack different things in your carry-on.  Also, depending if you are traveling with children, your needs may change.  However, every kind of situation pretty much shares the same "Staple items".  The following recommendations are made to help you deal with PMS, or Packing Made Simple (All the Princes just sighed because they thought I was giving advice on Women lol)

If you are planning on arriving late and just plan on checking into the hotel and not doing a park, I would recommend the following items.  These items will allow you to keep your carry on light and will allow you to have easy access to everything.  Trying to fiddle with a crowded carry on in tight quarters is a less than pleasant experience that I can do without.  Items 1-4 on this list should be considered ESSENTIAL on every list mentioned here today so we don't have to keep listing them on each list.

1) Reservation information- containing your flight numbers and confirmation, hotel/dining reservation numbers, and any travel documentation you may need (some apps are available on smart devices to help you organize this, or you could use a folder, or the back pages of your Disney Travel Book)
2)Condensed Wallet-Just the essentials while traveling.  License, insurance cards, credit/debit card you intend to use on the trip (maybe another one also just as a backup), cash (for tipping/emergencies)
 3)Cell Phone AND charger- Most people have the phone in their pocket at all times, but including this AND the charger on the check list should ensure you remember it
4)Snack-just some quick pick me ups such as granola bars and fruit snacks
5)Clean set of Pajamas/Loungewear- For emergency/freshening up post flight in your hotel room
6)Modified first aid kit-any medication you may need while waiting for flight/when on flight/en route to hotel, band aids, neosporin
7)Some form of inflight entertainment.-Depending on the length of your flight and your attention span, these could vary.  Personally I like to carry 2 forms (iPad and a book) since my flight is only 3 hours

If you are planning on arriving early/midday and plan on checking into the hotel then headed straight to the park, the items you need are similar with some slight substitutions/additions which of course are optional. 

Original items 1-4 with the additions/substitutions of
5) Poncho and/or sweater-For wet weather/rides and cool evenings
6) Modified first aid kit (although you can sometimes find these items in the park, but why spend money when you can bring your own?)
7)Pins or other park items you purchased previously that you may want to have (autograph books/pens)-Since it may take DME up to 3 hours to get your bags in the room, it may be handy to keep these items on you for easy access.
8)Camera AND batteries-you would be surprised at how many people actually forget theirs

Seems pretty basic when you actually see everything listed instead of trying to think off the top of your head what you need.  Once you have fully arrived and have completed your first day of activities, the backpack will get lighter/heavier depending on what you deem necessary to have in it.  While at the parks, you may want to put any souvenirs you buy in your bag, and may want to  wear your pins around your neck.  Basically, it is all personal preference.

When preparing your backpack/carry on to depart, try to hold back the tears so you can read your check list for what you need to pack.  The arrival and departure items in the bag should be almost identical.  However, I don't think you will be needing a change of clothes since you are heading home, but you never know what will happen and may just as well want to keep them in there.  You also may want to pack one of those soft stuffed animals I know you couldn't resist buying to snuggle up with on the plane.

Of course, talking of packing before you do it is easy.  Even though everything is laid out on a list, you and I both know you will be running around like the Queen is after your head trying to get things done.  Just take a breath, relax, and remember that this trip is supposed to be FUN!  Don't let packing overshadow your magic. 

Those are my Personal Perfect Packing Pointers prepared just for you.  Do you pack different things for your magical journey?  Perhaps you have suggestions on making packing the carry on even easier!  I would LOVE to hear from all of my guests on this topic since many of us have gone through the frustrations of packing.  That's all the time we have for now friends, I can hear some ruckus in the red forest!  TweedleDee and TweedleDum must be bouncing our way!  Grab your tea and run before you get caught up in their nonsense of the day!  Have a magical day and remember, Wonderland is but a Daydream away!

Most Valuable Tea Party Guest Nicole

 Hello again to my favorite tea party guests!  As promised, I would like to take the time now to introduce you to a very special person, and this week's Most Valuable Tea Party Guest, Nicole!  I've known Nicole since high school, and she is a great woman.  Today, she surprised her son Ethan with a trip to Walt Disney World!  At this very moment, they have already landed in Orlando and are making their way over to their resort to begin their magical trip!  Congratulations Nicole, and may your trip be filled with magic and memories!  I hope all my tea party guests enjoy getting to know Nicole!  Have a magical day and remember, Wonderland is but a Daydream away!
About the Resorts in general

How many times have you been to WDW/DL?
WDW (10) DL (1)

Are you a driver or a flyer?
Fly – we were going to drive this time and changed our minds

Do you prefer staying off or on Disney property?
On – Always at the All Stars

What resorts have you stayed at?
All Star Sports(this time), All Star Music, Pop Century and All Star Movies. Next time will be Disney Animation!

Fav/least fav resort and why?
My favorite was movies because of the themes. If I had to pick a least favorite it would be Sports and it's only because there are less characters

What do you look for when picking a resort?
Price. We don't spend much time in the resort and don't schedule down days so it's not a big deal

What kind or resorts do you prefer (value-deluxe) and why?
Value. The price is great and they have a lot for the kids to do

When is your favorite time of year to go?
Spring/Fall. I will never go during summer again. March was chilly but there were no lines. We were there for the flower and garden festival and it was awesome! Early November was great too because we watched them put up the Christmas stuff... one day there was nothing and the next day the parks were completely decked out! This time we are going mid September and will be there for the Halloween party and I am so excited!

Do you take advantage of Dining Plans? Which one do you prefer and why?
We did the dining plan two out of the three times we've stayed on property. We were going to do it this time because we are going to be there during the free dining, but we got free park hopper passes from a friend who works there so we are doing the pay as you go way.


About the Parks in general

What is your favorite park/least favorite theme park and why?
Magic Kingdom is my favorite now that I have a family, but it was always MGM. My least favorite is Epcot. I'm more of a rides person, although, now that we have the Perry scavenger hunt maybe I'll enjoy Epcot more!

Do you take time to spend at waterparks? If yes, preference?
I have never been to the waterparks.

Favorite mode of transportation (monorail, boat, bus, personal car)?
Monorail and the shuttle buses are great! Last time we were there we were able to ride up front on the monorail. Ethan thought that was fantastic!

Do you take advantage of EMH? If yes, do you prefer AM or PM EMH?
Generally, yes. We usually do morning because they are easier with small kids.

Ideally, how many days do you think gives you enough time to see/do everything you want to at the parks?
Is there a such thing? In as many times as I have been there, I still have not seen everything. I think you need a whole day for Epcot, 1.5 for MGM, 1.5 for Animal Kingdom and at least 2 for Magic Kingdom to see everything. Depending on if you are traveling with kids really makes a big difference though!

Inside the parks

If you could only ride one ride in each park what would you ride?
This one is tough! Magic Kingdom would definitely be the Haunted Mansion -it's my all time favorite (Buzz Lightyear, Space Mountain, Thunder Mountain and the Tea Cups all come in a tie for second though!) Animal Kingdom would be a dead even tie between Everest and the Safari. Epcot is definitely Figment!! Although I really love the seas. MGM would be Voyage of the Little Mermaid

Do you visit the characters? 
Sometimes. You can use your entire trip seeing characters so we limit it. We usually pick out a handful that we really want to see and then stalk them. Last time it was Buzz, Woody, Bullseye and Jesse. Generally if we see others we like and there aren't long lines we will stop. I plan to stalk Maleficenct at the Halloween Party though!

Do you buy photos from the attractions (or any pics taken by Disney Photographers)/take advantage of Disney’s Photopass(+)?
I never used to like photopass, but now I let them take dozens of pictures and take advantage of them everywhere we see them. When I get home I order the photo cd and print the photos myself. It's a great way to get family photos without having to bother other families to take them for us, plus they are at all the prime locations. We lost our camera once, which meant we lost all of our photos. Those photopass photos were all we had left.

Do you have a “system” when choosing which rides to ride and when? 
Strategy! I always watch the crowds and work the opposite way. For instance, when I go in to Magic Kingdom I always start with Tomorrowland I try to hit the most popular rides first before other people get there... or we do our fastpass and hit the rides with shorter lines then go back

What is your favorite fireworks display and why?
We don't usually stop for the fireworks. It is a great time to hit the rides... although it's really neat to watch from Splash Mountain at night!

Do you like watching the live stage shows such as Beauty and the Beast?
Not particularly. We liked playhouse Disney when Ethan was younger but not so much now

Do collect anything from the parks (Pins, pressed pennies, etc)?
We collect pins and pennies. We have about $20 saved in quarters for all of our pressed pennies!

Dining

Do you have a preference of the type of Dining you like (quick vs table)?
Quick service is my favorite. I don't particularly care for the buffets

Where do you dine most (Resort vs Park)?
Both

Favorite Restaurants and why?
I loved the concourse steak house but I don't believe it is still there. Also, chef mickeys!

Which do you prefer more-buffets or standard meal?
Standard meal

In your opinion, which is the better meal-Breakfast or Lunch/Dinner?
Lunch/Dinner

Do you like Character Dining?
YES!

Do you prefer quiet intimate dining or busy loud dining?
Doesn't matter. The quiet is great for downtime with kids though.

What draws you into try a new restaurant (theme, food, price, etc)?
Theme and price are about even

Do you have a specific favorite food you MUST get every time you go?
Not particularly although this time I will be hunting out the Cheshire cafe for a raspberry lemonade slush!

Weekly Wednesday Wonderland Wrapup

My dearest tea party guests, I sincerely apologize to you for again not keeping with schedule for our Weekly Wednesday Wonderland Wrapup.  Wednesday was a very busy day for me as Prince Richard and his brother invited me with them to go see a soccer match.  Thankfully our team won and no one lost their heads.  Soccer seems to be much safer than croquet with the queen.  Yesterday my best friend Dawn took Prince Richard and I on a trip down a most interesting rabbit hole for a sushi dinner.  Quite the confusing atmosphere, but the sushi was spectacular!  Again, I know we don't need excuses in Wonderland, but I just wanted to let you all know that I was legitimately busy the past 2 evenings and could not host our scheduled tea on time. 

Now, what are we discussing today...Ah yes a brief update on our Disney journey!  As of today, we have 93 days until we meet the Mouse that started it all!  Although we are very excited, I personally am very jealous of some of my Tea Party Guests.  I know jealousy gets you nowhere, but our fabulous guest Nicole is on her way as we sit here sipping our tea to the Happiest place on Earth!  Oh I can't wait until that day we sit inside the giant steel bird and begin our quest down!  Our good friend Jenn also is counting down on her blog for her magical journey and she has only 55 days.  We hare two lucky ladies at this table of ours!

With 93 days left, there is still a lot of room for changes of plans, additions of things, and plenty of ideas on what to do.  I was just looking at my spreadsheet for our parks of the day and events, and I realized something.  We currently are spending 1.5 days at MGM, 1 Day at AK, 1 day at Epcot, and 1.5 days at MK, with our last day being a wild card day between MK or Epcot.  The wild card seemed like a good idea at the time, but now I am weighing the pros and cons of each park.  The day before (Friday), we will be spending literally all day AND night at Epcot from 9a-12:30a (EMH).  That seems like ample time to enjoy the park, but with it being one of my favorite parks, I don't want to regret only going for one day.  On Thursday, we will be spending from 8a(EMH) to midnight at MK (MVMCP), and will also be there Monday after AK closes til 11p for EMH.  The big dilemma is do we end our trip with the MK or hit the big ticket rides at Epcot.  Still totally undecided.  Prince Richard thinks I've gone 'round the bend, and I totally agree, but some of the best things are hiding there! 

I've also been reading some other Disney blogs and have found even more tips, tricks, and advice that is proving to be incredibly useful.  For example, I had no idea that some of the resorts, All-Star Movies included, do Movies under the Stars!  This is really cool because you can sit in the pool  and relax all while watching a Disney Classic!  I had this opportunity years ago to do it in Universal and it was awesome! 

A very nice woman at work let me look at her cook book for  recipe for next week's Tea Time Treats segment, and I've found just the thing.  However, we may need to push our segment to either Friday or Saturday, due to low funds in the Bank of Hearts.  No matter though, I'm sure the anticipation will make them that much more delicious!

So that's all I have for you all today, friends.  Every day is another one closer to my favorite place in the world.  Stay tuned today for our Most Valuable Tea Party Guest Segment!  Have a magical day and remember, Wonderland is but a Daydream away!

Disney Challenge Day 28, 29, and 30

Welcome my dears, did you order this rain today?  How ever are we going to have a suitable tea party with this weather!  Fear not friends, I've got just the thing!  Sprinkle some leftover crumbs (from the eat me cookies of course!) onto the parasols for your tea and voila!  Instant Umbrella fit for a friend!  Now, today's party is a very special party because of two things.  One, we are actually on time and aren't running late as usual, and two, we are wrapping up our Disney Challenge Segment!  You may be saying hey wait a minute, it's not time to wrap up!  Remember when I told you my watch was two days slow?  Well I brought it to the Mad Hatter and the March Hare because they told me they could fix it.  However, instead of fixing it to the exact time, they merely reversed the original problem and made it two days fast!  Seems like no matter what you do, you can never be on time for tea.

Dear friends, I have absolutely loved sharing this Disney Challenge with you all.  I've shared my favorites and least favorites of Disney film songs, characters, funny moments, and sad times.  We've all taken the journey down memory lane through Disney films throughout the ages.  Today's three challenges takes us out of the movies, and into the land that Walt Disney himself created.  It has now come time to share favorites of the actual World of Disney, but first, let Day 28's Challenge bridge us from movie screen to Main St. USA. 

To pick a single favorite quote is relatively hard, considering how many lines have been spoken in the Disney Universe.   I would like split this up into favorite movie quote, and favorite real life quote.  As we discussed in Day 24, Meet the Robinsons has some fantastic lines in it that can make me laugh any day of the week.  The scene we viewed at that party includes my favorite movie quote, so I won't bore you with showing it again.  However, if you do want to laugh again, feel free to look back to that party! 

As for my favorite real life quote, I definitely have to pick the Opening Day Speech at Disneyland given by Walt Disney himself in 1955.   “To all who come to this happy place; welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past...and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams and the hard facts that have created America...with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.”  All I can say is wow!  Although this speech was made at Disneyland, the ideals hold true also for Walt Disney World.  Walt can rest easy because his hopes came true...Disney is a source of joy and inspiration to all the world!

The Challenges for both day 29 and 30 go hand in hand because they ask me to pick my favorite theme park and favorite ride.  While sipping your tea, allow your mind to drift to the party where I initiated the "Most Valuable Tea Party Guest" segment.  I let you all in on some of these answers.  As for my favorite park, the winner is definitely Magic Kingdom.  With the excellent themes of all the different lands, fabulous fireworks, and overall "Magic" feeling, this is by far the best park, although Epcot and MGM rank high up there as well.

As for my favorite rides/attractions, I have to include one ride in each of my favorite parks.  In Magic Kingdom, I absolutely LOVE the Haunted Mansion.  The hitchhiking ghosts and the ballroom dancing really are just Disney Imagineering at its best! 

In Epcot, Spaceship Earth is an old standby.  I remember going on with my dad and just loving every minute of it. The slow tram, incredible imagery, and even the smell of fire make this one shine above the rest.

Finally, What would MGM be without the Great Movie Ride?  There is nothing like walking into that grand theater, watching all the classic Hollywood clips, and then being "part of" the actual movies!  The cast members do a great job engaging the passengers in the trams, especially during the hijacking!  Magnificent Movie Magic!

There you have it folks, 30 days of Disney Challenge signed, sealed, and delivered.  I hope you all have enjoyed our journey together celebrating all things Disney.  Just because we have finished challenge, doesn't mean the fun doesn't have to end!  We are still going to be celebrating all things Disney, but now we won't be tied down to "Challenge Rules"!  I would like to think that now that challenge has ended, all of my good-mannered guests will take the time to share their favorite Disney rides, characters, and moments with the rest of us.  It has been an honor and a privilege to be able to take part in this Disney Challenge, and I do hope that many of you will look back at these parties with fond memories of your own!  That's all I have for you now, friends.  Stay tuned for Today's Weekly Wonderland Wrapup!  Have a magical day and remember, Wonderland is but a Daydream away!

Tea Time Treats

Well a good evening to you all!  I do hope you enjoyed your walk through Wonderland.  I assume you let the Queen win the croquet match since you still have your head about you.  While you were gone I cleaned up the remnants of our midday tea and someone sitting in the far left corner of the table must have had quivering hands because there was tea spilled all over the table!  No matter now though, all is well and clean.  Now just as I promised you, our weekly Tea Time Treat segment is fresh out of the oven.

There is nothing more delicious than warm chocolate chip cookies...or is there?  This week I've managed to mix together three sinful treats into one decadent delight!  You must be thinking that this is quite difficult but fear not friends, this is extremely easy.  While I must admit it is semi-homemade, I did add some personalized ingredients.  Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you, Caramel Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars!

A delicious chocolatey chip crust with a rich layer of butterscotch caramel lies on the bottom.  On top of that, a decadent blend of cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla.  Top that all off with more chocolate chip cookie dough and more butterscotch drizzled on the top and you have a Terrific Tea Time Treat!

Not the most pretty of pictures, but this shows you how marvelously melty they are!  Prince Richard said they were "Pretty delicious.  I liked them so much I might ask for them again!"  My advice to you if using the caramel...SPRAY YOUR PAN OR OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!

Do take one home and try to eat it while it is warm, not piping hot.  I'm sure you will enjoy it!  Food, Friends, and Fun!  This is Wonderland is all about!  Have a magical evening and remember, Wonderland is but a Daydream away!

Many Days of Challenge all rolled into one! 22-27

My oh My look at the time!  Looks like the hatter has spiked my tea again!  So little time and so much to do!  No time for apologies let's get right to it! Short and sweet today, just like my tea!  CLEAN CUP CLEAN CUP MOVE DOWN MOVE DOWN!!

Today we are covering so many things here at our tremendous tea table it's hard to decide where to start, but in the wise words of the king, "Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop."  So if we start where we left off in our Disney Challenge, we should be right around Day 22 which would be an Overrated movie.  For this selection, I certainly could not pick out a movie from the Disney Classics because as we all know, every Disney movie is fabulous.  However, when we look at the "Disney Channel original movies", there are a few I could do without.  With the month of September already passing quickly, next month is October, which brings much beloved Halloween themed movies to the Disney Channel.  One series of movies I am particularly fond of is the Halloween Town series.  There is something about the Whimsical World of Halloween that makes me wish I could walk through it just once.  There are 4 movies total, but unfortunately, the fourth movie, Return to Halloween Town, is a victim of the "Bad Disney Sequel" club.  The first three were very good about keeping the same cast and was relatively good at making sure all the characters blended with familiar story lines.  However, the fourth one totally recast the main character Marnie, added a ridiculous story line, cults, and no magic allowed at a college in Halloween Town!  I'm sorry, but this is one movie that won't be shown at our Haunted Halloween Tea!

Day 23 of Disney Challenge is an easy one for me, but I  won't dive into details since we've discussed these movies at different tea parties.  My top 3 underrated movies are The Great Mouse Detective, The Rescuers, and The Rescuers Down Under.  If you've never seen any of these films, you have permission to be excused from this party, go out and buy the films, watch them, and return with a full review.  Three amazing movies that I wish got more notoriety than they do now.

Laughter seems to be a key ingredient in the making of a Disney film, along with suspense, drama, despair, triumph, and many other things.  For Disney Challenge Day 24, I am asked to share with you a movie that makes me laugh.  Although so many movies have hilarious parts, one movie (and the accompanying quote to go along with it) came directly into my mind.  Meet the Robinsons is one of the funniest Disney movies I have ever seen.  Although you get the traditional sad aspect of a Disney film (Lewis, the main character, is an orphan) the "feel" of the movie quickly turns around and you meet the wild and crazy Robinsons!  From singing frogs to spectacle wearing dogs, there's something for everyone in the world of the Robinsons!  There is even a "evil mastermind" with some hilariously hair-brained ideas. My favorite quote of the movie can be seen in this clip.  So many funny moments in this movie, it would be a sin not to watch it if you are in need of a good laugh!

Ah, Challenge 25 (movies that make you cry) and 27(Saddest Death) brings us to a familiar part of Disney movies, the tear jerking scenes.  What would a Disney movie be without sadness to make the audience hope for something better to come to the characters.  My top 3 movies that make me cry are Up, Bambi, the Lion King.  Bambi and the Lion King make me cry for obvious reasons, the death of a loved parent.  I don't know how/why this became a staple of Disney movies, but I could certainly do without watching the lives of child characters be shattered .  Up, however, is a different animal.  Overall, this is a very sweet and funny movie.  The combination of the Old Man Carl, his unintended sidekick Russell, Dug the Dog and Kevin the Bird is hilarious.  Before we get to experience the comedy, we watch Carl's life with his late wife pass in what seems like an instant.  From the moment they fall in love, to their marriage, to their troubles conceiving, and an illness that ultimately takes Ellie away from Carl, we witness all the events of this old man's life.  I think this is completely heartbreaking because this is an example where art imitates real life.  How many times has a similar thing happened to a real life couple.  Although it is sad, this scene is important and makes us as an audience realize how short and fragile life is.  If you are waiting to do something in life, stop waiting and just do it before it's too late!

Who needs a refill on their tea?  Just half a cup for me if you don't mind please!  As we approach the end of our Disney Challenge Makeup Marathon, I think I need to sit down in a comfy armchair for our last challenge of the day.  Day 26 asks me to share my favorite scene from my favorite movie.  I do believe you, my most valued friends and tea party guests, can figure it out.  As a matter of fact, we are reenacting it as we speak!  The Very Merry Unbirthday Tea Party with Alice, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare, and the Dormouse is one of my favorite scenes from one of my favirite Disney classics!  What could be better than sharing polite conversation over some hot tea and crumpets?  Be careful however, the Dormouse does like to come and steal the crumbs, especially the ones with jam on them.  

WHEW!  What a rush!  Almost a week of challenge all at one party!  I'm glad I prepared enough tea for all of you, I was worried the teapots might have run dry.  All this sharing has got me tired AND hungry, how about all of you?  Well you are all in luck because today is Tuesday which means it is time for our new Tea Time Treats segment!  While I make today's treats nice and warm, why not wander through Wonderland?  Perhaps join the Queen for a quick round of croquet, or better yet, visit the Singing Flowers for a mid day serenade!  When you are done, come on back and I will have this table cleaned up and your delicious dessert waiting for all of you!  Until we meet later tonight friends!  Have a magical day and remember, Wonderland is but a Daydream away!

Weekly Wednesday Wonderland Wrapup

Oh I'm late, I'm late for a very important date!  Last night I fell asleep in the singing flower garden and when I awoke, Absolem was blowing smoke rings in my face.  I then remembered I completely forgot to do our Weekly Wednesday Wonderland Wrapup!  I am starting to think the Hatter is putting something other than sugar in my tea since I've been more fatigued than usual.  Now allow me to curtsy (and think while doing so to save time of course) to you as I offer my sincerest apologies for my absence.  It seems as if TweedleDee and TweedleDum have run off with my thoughts again.  Pardon me for a moment whilst I look for them.

Ah yes here's where I want to begin.  I wanted to let you all know where Prince Richard and I were with the planning of our most magical journey.   Thankfully Prince Richard paid off his balance we owed to Mr. Mouse on August 26 so now we are OFFICIALLY BOOKED!!!!  As of today, we have 100 days left until we set foot on the Happiest Place on Earth's property.  I cannot even express how excited we are as the days go on, and to think we are almost into the double digits!  Time seems to be flying before our trip which is awesome, but I hope time slows down once we get there!  There is nothing worse then being so excited for a trip then realize it went by way to fast.  With so much to do in so little time, we are still figuring out how exactly we are going to cram in  all we want to see.

One way we are tackling our dilemma of so little time and so much to do is by switching some of our dining reservations.  As my loyal tea party guests, you will all remember the party we had about planning where to eat in order to see fireworks and such (and if you don't I suggest you lay off the Forgetful Fudge!)  As of right now, we've changed a total of 3 of our reservations to better maximize our time in the parks.  Our first change came about because we felt like we were shortchanging ourselves with days at MGM.  Even though MGM is one of the smaller parks, there is still so much to do there.  So the day we had originally booked for Boma, we will now be dining at the 50's Prime Time.  I liked the idea of switching to this restaurant because 1) we can remain in MGM and not have to worry about leaving and then coming back, and 2) The 50's theme will only enhance the magic of being in MGM.  Our next change was also made to allow more time in the park.  On 12/13 We were already going to be in MK all day and night (MVMCP), and were planning on eating at Crystal Palace at 6:40.  Since the party officially starts at 7, we felt like we may be missing out, so we moved our dinner to 3:50.  Finally, our Breakfast with Chef Mickey was also moved to an earlier reservation (7am!) on our departure day so we can get plenty of time in a park before our magic ends.

As you know, many fairies have visited our mailbox lately, and the latest one brought something very special.  Our custom maps have finally arrived!  We are so excited!  The quality is phenomenal!  The maps came in an amazing old journal looking envelope and included a personalized letter.  We have maps of all 4 theme parks and also a map of the entire WDW property which will more than likely be framed and hung up to bring some magic into our apartment! If you've never ordered them, I highly recommend you do, however you may want to wait a bit until they update them with the new fantasy land.

In addition to celebrating our personal triumphs with planning our trip, we would also like to celebrate all the new directions our Tea Parties have gone in.  I am very happy that we've added 3 new segments (including this one) that HOPEFULLY will be featured weekly at our parties.  On Tuesdays, all of my guests will now get a chance to take a peek in to my oven to see what's cooking for our Tea Time Treats segment.  Wednesdays will feature our Weekly Wednesday Wonderland Wrapups which will update all of you on any and all news happening in Wonderland for each particular week.  Finally, our Most Valuable Tea Party Guest interview segment will be featured on Fridays, just in time for the weekend!

So much is happening in Wonderland at once it's hard to keep track of where we are going and when we are going there.  Again, Welcome to the Wacky World that is Wonderland!  If you expect the unexpected, you shall never be disappointed or surprised when we miss a party or have multiple parties in one day!  Here in Wonderland, we work like the wind.  Sometimes we're not all there, sometimes we're blowing sugar all over the table.  You never quite know what you are walking into.  With all this being said, be happy is isn't your watch that is 2 days slow!  Have a magical day and remember, Wonderland is but a Daydream away!