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!