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Dine and Dish

Food blog with family recipes

October 14, 2017

5 Ways to Rock Your Happy at Walt Disney World

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 It’s no secret that Walt Disney World is the happiest place on earth. After a recent trip, I’m sharing 5 Ways to really Rock Your Happy when visiting.

5 Ways to ROCK YOUR HAPPY AT WALT DISNEY WORLD
Last month I had the opportunity to be a guest of Walt Disney World with a group of talented friends and bloggers. It’s no secret that Walt Disney World is considered the happiest place on earth, but to some people it can be somewhat overwhelming. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of my 5 most favorite ways to Rock Your Happy when visiting Walt Disney World. Of course there are way more than 5 ways to find happiness at Disney, but I wanted to share some of my most favorite. Let me know what you would add!

Magic Kingdom Happily Ever After Dessert Party

Happily Ever After Dessert Party and Fireworks

The Happily Ever After Dessert Party and Fireworks spectacular is a special add on event at Magic Kingdom that is definitely worth it for dessert lovers. For the Happily Ever After Dessert Party, you are given a special wrist band and led into a room with an all you can eat buffet of every kind of dessert imaginable. From gourmet ice cream sandwiches to cheesecake bites to an array of beautiful cupcakes, you’ll find everything to curb your sweet cravings at this event. The best part is, with the price of your dessert party wristband, you get special, exclusive seating for the most amazing fireworks and animation display I have ever seen.

Happily Ever After Dessert Party

Disney has outdone themselves with a full on spectacular show of fireworks, music, and colorful castle projections. This was seriously the most beautiful show of this type I have seen and the entire evening at the Happily Ever After Dessert Party and Fireworks Show was truly magical. In fact, there’s a possibility I may have cried I was so happy. All happy tears, of course!

The cost for the dessert party is $59 for Plaza Garden viewing ($35 ages 3 to 9); Tomorrowland Terrace is $79, $47 ages 3 to 9 and you do need to reserve your spot ahead of time.

Animal Kingdom Lodge Safari Room

Stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge

You know that your hotel is a good one when you are at Walt Disney World and you don’t even want to leave your room! Friends, I had the awesome luxury of staying in a Savanna view room at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and I cannot recommend this experience enough. Waking up to giraffes, zebras and all kinds of other wildlife right outside your balcony door is a pretty amazing thing.

Giraffe at Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge

I was a bit obsessed with the giraffes that liked to hang out by my room. In fact, one evening they were out and I just couldn’t force myself to go to bed because they were right outside my balcony. Seriously, how could I sleep when these precious animals were right there? Eventually they had mercy on me and went to bed which means I eventually got some sleep.Animal Kingdom Lodge at Night

Animal Kingdom Lodge was a truly “rock your happy” experience for me. I can’t recommend it enough.

Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

Visit the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

This was my second year visiting Epcot during the International Food & Wine Festival. As a food lover there is no better definition of Rock Your Happy than being exposed to hundreds of foods from around the world in one spot. Whoa.  –> Click here to read about my Epcot Food and Wine Festival experience last year. 

Cronut from Epcot Food and Wine Festival

This year some of my favorites were the Cronut, Creme Brûlée,  New England Lobster Roll, Spicy Chicken Bao Bun, Kalua Pork Slider, Brazilian Cheese Bread and the shaved ice (it was so hot and this was so refreshing). These selections are only a tip of the iceberg of what you’ll fine at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Check out a full list of the foods you can experience, here.

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival runs for several weeks each year during the late summer and early fall. The 2017 season goes every day from August 31st until November 13th (a record 75 days!). It’s definitely a must experience to rock your happy!

Tower of Terror

Ride the Happiest Rides

Everyone is going to have different opinions of this but for the ultimate Rock Your Happy experience, make sure to ride the following rides.

Hollywood Studios: This park has two of my all time favorite rides. One is the Tower of Terror…a ride I was truly terrified to ride the first time – but ended up laughing the entire way through. There is just something about this ride that makes me so happy (even though it is a tad bit terrifying). Also, The Rock ‘n Roller Coaster. If you love fast coasters and Aerosmith, this is one of the BEST! Finally, a bonus Hollywood Studios ride that’s not fast or scary but is just so darn fun is Toy Story Mania. If you get through this ride without cracking a smile, something is wrong with you. Just saying.

Animal Kingdom: If you are a Disney fan, you’ve probably heard about the newest addition to Animal Kingdom… The World of Avatar. This new area includes two incredible new rides, but the one I was in absolute awe over was Avatar Flight of Passage. This 3D ride is an incredible experience, virtually riding on the back of a mountain banshee while soaring above the world of Avatar. This is a fast pass must, as the ride is really popular (but worth the wait, I promise). As long as you’re in Animal Kingdom, make sure to head over to Expedition Everest for a thrilling coaster experience!

Epcot: OK I’ll be honest… I love Epcot but it’s less about the rides and more about the food and culture experiences. However, you cannot go to Walt Disney World without riding Soarin’. This is a 3D experience like no other, full of the sites, sounds and views of major scenic attractions across the world. Do not miss this ride!

Magic Kingdom: There are so many fantastic rides over at Magic Kingdom, but when I’m on a limited time schedule, my absolute must hits are Space Mountain, 7 Dwarfs Mine Train, It’s a Small World and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

Gingerbread S'Mores

Experience the Holidays at Walt Disney World

While visiting Walt Disney World this time around, we got a sneak peak at all the happy plans in the works for the holiday season. There are so many awesome things, but here are a few I think will rock your happy.

Ganachery

First of all, all throughout each of the parks, chefs are hard at work developing the most delicious desserts and menu items for the holiday season. Some of my favorite items are coming out of Disney Springs this year, including Gingerbread S’Mores, peppermint macarons, hazelnut star trees and more. In addition, if you are over at Disney Springs during the holiday season, make sure to check out the expanded Christmas Tree Trail. We got a sneak peak of the decorated trees being featured this year and I promise, they will rock your happy indeed!

In addition to all the great holiday themed food, the merchandising department at Disney is hard at work bringing us some really cute Disney themed items for the holidays. Look for the new pom pom Mickey ears (as seen on my friend Kristan), as well as Minnie purse ornaments, ceramic Disney themed Christmas trees, customized stockings and more. I can’t wait to visit Walt Disney World sometime over the holidays to see the magic of Christmas merged with the magic of Disney. What a rock your happy experience that would be!

Disney Bloggers at Hollywood Studios

Walt Disney World truly is one of the best places to “Rock Your Happy”, especially when experienced with friends (Kristan, Stephanie, Deborah, Julie, Shelly, Amanda and Jenny pictured above). Tell me, what are some of your favorite happy experiences at Walt Disney World? I’d love to know what you’d add to my list!

Disclosure: Thank you so much to Walt Disney World for sponsoring this trip and for providing food, lodging, as well as unique park experiences. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

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Filed Under: Previous, Travel Tagged With: animal kingdom lodge, disney, disney springs, epcot, epcot food and wine, magic kingdom, pandora, travel, walt disney world

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says

    October 15, 2017 at 9:15 pm

    How incredible that you were able to see giraffes right from your room! Amazing! The firework show sounds super fun!

    • Kristen says

      October 15, 2017 at 9:25 pm

      Isn’t that incredible? Would it be weird to say that was one of my favorite parts of this trip? And everything we did was amazing, but it’s impossible to beat out waking up to giraffes outside your balcony! I was so happy!

  2. Robin says

    October 16, 2017 at 11:33 am

    We are supposed to go to Disney next year. I can’t wait. I haven’t been since my Senior trip in high school.

    Looks like fun.

    Robin

    • Kristen says

      October 16, 2017 at 12:12 pm

      Awwww it’s changed so much! I hadn’t been since 6 grade until this past year and have now been 4 times in a year. Crazy, right? I can’t wait to hear about all the fun you’ll have!

  3. Aggie says

    October 19, 2017 at 12:59 pm

    The fireworks show is my favorite. I need to go back and see it again soon.
    I also need to go eat some more at Food & Wine!!

    • Kristen Doyle says

      October 19, 2017 at 10:34 pm

      Tinkerbell at the end was everything!!

  4. Jane |OilDoffuserZone| says

    December 10, 2017 at 3:49 pm

    Oh, I have the same red ears, my daughter is crazy about them

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New ink inspired by a quote in my friend @andiemmitchell amazing memoir “It Was Me All Along”. 

I tend to be an all or nothing person and look at long term and get overwhelmed instead of just taking things one day at a time. I’ve said her quote to myself multiple times a day for years. Now I’ll have a permanent reminder. 

The full quote: “Can you do it today? Can you make it through today without bingeing? Just today, and tomorrow we’ll reconsider?”

I need to go back and get a couple missed spots filled in but I love it. Thanks Rob at @irezumitattookc 🎉

#typewriterfonttattoo #tattooinstagram #inspiringtattoos #quotetattoo #gentlereminder #wordstoinspire #wordstoremember #wordstoliveby
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My snow and mountain loving, free spirited, book reading, laugh inducing, amazing friend @mountainmamacooks wrote a cookbook. It’s beautiful and just so perfect! I’m sharing all about it on the blog today and I also gave her Crispy Kahlua French Toast recipe the double dip treatment.

Find the recipe and get a peek into her book over on Dine & Dish! (PS I miss you tons, Kelley!)

#apresallday #frenchtoastrecipe #brunchideas #cookbooks #mountainmama #skiingislife
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Here’s a fun fact I heard on the radio several years ago…October 5th is the most popular day to be born (9 months prior is New Years Eve-ish). 🎉 

Happy birthday to all my many many birthday twins out there! It’s the big 4-8 for me…although this past year as a Covid long hauler I feel like I’ve aged 20 years in the past 1. But things are looking up! I’m excited for the next 365 days of my life. I’m blessed and so thankful to still be here, chugging along.

This picture is from last week when @kellykdoyle and I were visiting colleges in Colorado. If I have any followers with ties to @coloradostateuniversity or @cuboulder I’d love to chat! 

#october5th #birthdaytwins #gardenofthegods #birthdayweek #coloradosprings
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I love being a parent of teens...but I miss the days of parenting kids who loved going to school, who didn't struggle with major anxiety, who loved their bodies, and were confident about how they looked. I miss pre-covid days where lunch wasn't distanced, kids had the opportunity to connect and socialize at school, where mask-wearing wasn't even a topic, let alone one that divides. 

The past 2 years have changed my kids. They have gained so many positive things, but they've also gained a new kind of anxiety that wasn't there before. And I hate it for them. They've seen first hand how long haul covid has changed our family. They've seen the selfishness of others in ways they haven't seen before. They've had to grow up faster, worry about things they shouldn't have to worry about, and learn the hard way how this world can really be. And it hurts my heart for them. 

I have a new senior, sophomore and 6th grader here at home. Missing my sophomore in college a ton. I hope the world is kind to them and they are kind to the world. I want nothing more than for them to be happy and to be surrounded by good people who love and accept them for who they are and who also push them to live a full, rich and happy life. I pray every day for them - and for your kids...and pray that we are all raising a generation of empathetic and kind changemakers.

#loveoneanother❤️ #parentingteens #momofteens #anxietyawareness #backtoschooloutfit #changemakers #parenthood_moments
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These two small business owners had a successful launch day for their new clothing and accessory brand, @impatient.us I’m so proud of my daughter @kellykdoyle & daughter from another mother, @kyleemdunn for making the time and financial commitment to launch their dream brand! They’ve done it all so independently and have navigated starting a small business way better than I could have at 17! Thanks to everyone who sent words of encouragement and showered them with support. It’s means so much! 

Follow their journey at @impatient.us and shop the link in their profile!

#smallbusinesslaunch #clothingbrands #teenentrepreneur #launchday #launchparty #teenbusiness #shopsmallbusinesses #proudmoment
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I was a “houseplant lady” before the pandemic, but I think since the pandemic I get to add the word “crazy” to that title. So. Many. Plants. I’m not mad about it!

This weekend @kctinygreenhouse I picked up this beautiful Monstera Peru as well as a bag of Jeff’s Jungle Mix. You know when a new to you potting mix has you super excited, you’ve crossed the line into la la land 😂 Swipe to see how pretty it is!

What pandemic hobby did you pick up?

#plantmomlife #crazyplantpeople #houseplantlove #monsteraperu #pottingmix #plantobsession #plantcollectors #plantsmakepeoplehappy
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Yesterday we spent a few hours down in the West Bottoms visiting the grand opening of @kctinygreenhouse newest location . KC Plant fam, head there. Just trust me! Plants loved and cared for with the best good vibes, all ready to join your crazy plant person home. You’ll find goodies from local KC artisans as well, like @pigeoncandles 

Come for the plants, leave with a heart full of happy!

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Last night in the suite @kcroyals ...I almost cried. Man it feels so good to be doing normal things. I’ll never take this for granted! Making this the summer of yes...I’m going to say yes to as many events/outings/opportunities as possible! Who’s in? #summerofyes
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Ella is 15 today! Those of you who have been with Dine & Dish since the very beginning have been a part of Ella’s life since the start too! 15 years sure does go by in a flash, both with businesses and babies.
Happy birthday @ella.r.doyle 💕💕💕 We love you!
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I want to live in the big city, yet also want to live in the country. I want to live by the beach, yet also want to live in the mountains. I either need multiple lives or multiple homes! 

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I’m officially one step closer to reaching peak plant lady status! 🪴

I’m welcoming these plant cuttings from the Hello Kathy Plant Etsy Shop to my already booming collection. When I saw people rave about her “Mystery Box” of plant cuttings I knew I had to buy one. 2 things I love...mystery boxes and plants!

Now I need to figure out how to keep them alive. Any advice? 😃 🪴

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Hi, friend! I Thought I’d just say “hey” and check in and add some pretty flowers to your feed.

We’re over here dragging ourselves across the school finish line...so close to done physically, but over done, mentally. Can you relate?

My coaching business is going great, I’m working with some truly incredible, inspiring women right now which makes me so happy! I’ll be launching 2 new group coaching  classes (for women and entrepreneurs) in a few weeks so be sure to follow @rockyourhappy if you are interested in being updated on those!

Jacob comes home from college this week and my parents are coming to visit for a couple of weeks as well. And it’s almost my favorite time of the year, summer!! 

How are things going with you? What’s going good and making you happy? Or what do you need a hand or listening ear with? Touch base! I’ve missed you!

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Book Lovers Giveaway (read to the end)!!! ⬇️ ⬇️ 

Supporting my local independent bookstore @rainydaybooks looks a lot different than it used to these days. Temporarily gone are the days of lingering in store, browsing the shelves, walking out with an armful of books I didn’t expect to buy. The pandemic has made independent bookstores pivot in ways they’ve never had to before, but I’m so happy to say they are CRUSHING IT! And as we virtually celebrate Independent Bookstore Day on 4/24, I wanted to share a way you too can help keep Independent bookstores afloat now (and in the future).

You know I’m a huge fan of @librofm , the absolute best audiobook alternative that gives money back to the independent bookstore of your choice with your audiobook purchases. Well, to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day on 4/24, they are giving YOU a free audiobook! Here’s what you need to do…

Spend $15 or more at your bookstore between April 24th and 26th. Submit your receipt at libro.fm/ibd and Libro.fm will email you a link to your free audiobook by April 28th! Easy peasy, right?

Wait! There’s more! 🌟 I’d love to give one Dine & Dish follower the chance to win a 3 month @Librofm audiobook membership. To enter, simply tag your favorite independent bookstore here and tell me what you love the most about it! That’s it! Winner will be chosen at random on April 27th. Yay, books!

#indiebookstoreday #indiebookstore #bookstoreshoutout 
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Can’t believe we’re doing the college tour thing already with my second baby! 

So question for any of you who sent your kids to out of state schools or went to out of state schools...how did you do it? She wants to get the heck out of Kansas (I’d like to go with her!). We have money saved, she’ll most likely get a scholarship or two, she’s paying and has money saved as well...but even with that out of state tuition is a beast of an amount. So, did you just assume that student loans were going to be part of that life? And is that worth it to give your kids a shot at a new life outside of your home state? I wish I would have left Kansas for university, and have been here since I was born 😩. I want different for her if that’s what she wants but also just don’t have any experience with how people do out of state college! Any tips?

#collegetour #bestlifenow #outofstate #studentloans #junioryear #kansasstate #adviceneeded
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J is for...jam!
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My friend @wakschmale makes the best strawberry jam...and I completely forgot about a jar she gave me last year until this morning. Which then inspired me to make my favorite buttermilk biscuits. So so good. Are you a jam, honey, just butter or plain biscuit fan? I love biscuits allll the ways, except with gravy. I have super bad memories of biscuits and gravy growing up. 🤢
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I’m still slowly making my way through the alphabet for @kimklassen_innercircle a-z photo challenge. I’m bound and determined to finish. It may just take me a little longer than I originally anticipated 🤗.
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#homemadejam #eatcaptureshare #biscuitsandjam #homemadebiscuits #sundaybaking #easylikesundaymorning #foodphotograph #foodpics #slowsunday #breakfastathome #kimklassen_innercircle
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It took me 2 months to get this Crispy Chickpea Pantry Pasta recipe up on the blog. 🤦‍♀️But it’s there now! You can find the link in my Instagram profile.
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Also, just noticed Instagram took away the like count on posts. I kind of like that...what do you think?
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#pastarecipe #chickpeapasta #dinnerideas #dinnerrecipes #vegetarianrecipe #eatcaptureshare #slowblogging  #totallifechanges
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I is for Inspiration!
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The “long haul” effects of having Covid back in December are really presenting themselves lately. The continuous persistent headaches are taking a toll and the connection between the brain fog and word retrieval function of my brain has been extra challenging. I had no idea a couple months out, the cognitive effects would still be hanging around.
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With that said, when I get a burst of inspiration I’m grabbing on for dear life. I made our favorite chocolate chip cookies recipe yesterday and felt the desire to update the blog post photos from 2007! We make these cookies all the time, so I’m not sure why it’s taken me so many years to give that poor post some new photos.
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If you’re interested in the recipe you can find the link currently in my profile. Enjoy!!
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@kimklassen_innercircle #kimklassen_innercircle #chocolatechipcookie #cookiestagram #foodphotography #feedfeedbaking #plateofcookies #cookiephotography #eatcaptureshare #recipeoftheweek
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H is for...high!
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It was so strange being on a plane again. I’m so thankful I have the antibodies because the flights were full, which seemed wrong, but everyone around me did seem to keep their masks on, so that was good.
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I can’t wait until travel becomes a regular part of life again. I’ve missed it so much!
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 @kimklassen_innercircle @southwestair @windowswap #cloudphotography #cloudsofinstagram #flightview #iflyswa #imisstravelling #skylove #planepics #myviewtoday #beautifulviews
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G is for...oh so grateful!

I flew to South Texas yesterday to visit my parents whom I haven’t seen in 2 years. They live around 17 hours away from us. We typical get to see each other a few times a year but with the pandemic and other health issues it just wasn’t able to happen and I’ve missed them soooo much.

Grateful to have had COVID last month. Although it was not at all fun, it gave me the antibodies to make this trip possible. My dad is having surgery tomorrow so I’m helping with my mom so my dad can recover without having to worry about her.

Kansas is enjoying frigid temperatures and snow. I picked a great week to head south.
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#palmtrees🌴 #palmtreesfordays #blueskiesandsunshine #wintersun #texasskies #kimklassen_innercircle @kimklassen_innercircle #silverlining
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F is for...food photography.
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This time of year especially, food photography (and I guess all photography actually) is a tug of war with time and light. I had planned on making and photographing a delicious pasta recipe, but my grocery delivery ran a couple of hours late because of snowstorm. So, at the eleventh hour I decided to make a cake...that took over an hour to bake and I had about 90 minutes of natural light left...leaving me with about 30 minutes of ok light to work with.
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Anyway, this wouldn't work for a client shoot because the cake, although delicious, didn't turn out looking so great. But it will work great for today's F photo for the @kimklassen_innercircle A-Z photo project:) Lemon Citrus Yogurt Cake from this weeks @cabotcheese newsletter. So good!
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#eatcake #eatcaptureshare #eatcakebehappy #lemoncake #cakecakecakecake #foodiegram #yahoofood #dessertsofinstagram #sweettooth #kimklassen_innercircle #fisforfood
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