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!