Back from the magic

The jet lag has sunk in along with the post Disney blues. Yes folks I am back from my travels to Walt Disney World and what a fun packed trip it was. From meeting friends of new, and old, to new experiences to re-visiting old favourites; the holiday had it all.

Whilst I am not going to share everything with you right now, I hope this will give you a taster of some of the things that are ahead on the next episode of the podcast, episode 43 due out on 16^th September 2013.

Originally I had planned out this holiday to be part parks and part Disney cruise, in fact I had shared some cruise planning with you all when we had the lovely Passporter Moms on the podcast. However due to personal reasons, I decided to cancel the cruise. In its place I added seven nights to the existing post cruise one night at the Art of Animation Resort.

So the plan was set for a pure fourteen days of Disney park hopping. No plans to visit Nasa, Universal or in fact no plans to step off Disney property. So one would think… hmm bet you managed to do every single park ride and attraction – wrong! I still didn’t manage that! Main reason being, well both weeks were incredibly hot and humid and I had some distractions from park time.

The first was meeting and spending the afternoon with Disney former “friend of” Merlin, author, park historian – Jim Korkis. This had to be the highlight of my holiday. We recorded two podcasts, which I can’t wait to share with you.

Another distraction led to my escape off property to Theme Park Connections in Winter Gardens. Now I know many of you know about this amazing treasure trove of Disney goodies but if you don’t – prepare to! I managed to purchase a Hollywood Tower hotel bell hop/cast member costume for more information visit Theme Park Connections

When I did get to the parks I made sure I used my time effectively. I had researched using the crowd calendars on touringplans.com Now I know we are part of their podcast network and you my question my impartiality on promoting them however well before we were network members I have enthused about their amazing data rich site. For a mere $11.95 you can get access to which park will be the best to visit and also estimated and live submitted attraction wait times. Add $3.95 to cover Universal Orlando and for the trilogy add on Disneyland, California for $4.95 but it gets better. We can give you the discount code “Minxes” to get you 20% off! Visit Touring Plans

So guys… prepare yourself for a wealth of Disney reviews, in park stories and top tips!

Show Notes Episode 29 – Aqua Girls

The show where we are joined by Sara and Jennifer from The Passporter Moms Podcast!

Hello and welcome to episode 29 of The Minnie Minxes Disney Podcast. In this episode we joined by the lovely ladies from Passporter Moms to talk Disney cruising, from how us in the UK have different electricity to what to pack and how to get the most out of your cruise.

Then we have a top five of water-based attractions in WDW, three Ciarán facts and a competition! So make sure you listen to find out how you can win a PassPorter guide of your choice. So a massive thank you to Sara and Jennifer for donating these prizes.

Also make sure you like our Facebook page, as we will be sharing news of yet another Minxie giveaway!

Minnie Kisses

Kim and Michelle xx

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A Magic-al Brunch! by Fran Cassano

If you have been to Palo, there is something about it that stays with you. Is it the wafting aromas from their kitchen as you are greeted “Buona Notte”? Or tasting their famed chocolate soufflé? Sure! But hands down, it’s got to be the Palo Champagne Brunch. Last autumn, I was on the Disney Magic with my husband and we were able to partake in this food "Abbondanza". It was one of the best Disney dining experiences I ever had.

Though known for its Northern Italian cuisine at dinner, Palo's Champagne Brunch boasts a wider variety of special offerings, late mornings/early afternoons during "at sea" days on the Disney Cruise Line.

When you walk in to Palo, you are brought to your table by way of the centrally-located buffet. You are seated and you order your included cocktail beverage. While the Mimosa was tempting, I chose the Palo Prosecco. Then your server takes you on a “tour”~a collection of cocktail tables which showcase the different delights: cheeses, crudités, cured meats, breads, seafood, salads, pastries, and sweets.

Save room, because it doesn’t stop there. The open kitchen puts out their hot breakfast and lunch items for view including Palo’s house-made pizza and Disney’s famous Strawberry Soup. You order these at the table with your server.

  

One of my favorite aspects of this brunch is that the portions are just right. Some come in little cups, ramekins, shot glasses, or tasting spoons. Items to be ordered at the table are perfect for sharing. The standouts the day we were there were: Cajun spiced rare tuna, bresaola, whitefish mousse, bloody mary shrimp shooter, shrimp cocktail, gorgonzola bread, mini focaccia, roasted cipolini onions, stollen bread, and almond croissant...Or, pretty much everything you see in my accompanying pictures. (Because of the Brunch's popularity, it was too crowded to get decent shots of our buffet's set up itself).

At our table, we ordered the grape and gorgonzola pizza with balsamic drizzle, Strawberry Soup, and the special pancakes. And, while most people rave about the chicken parmesan, we went with the veal saltimbocca instead and were not disappointed.

This delectable experience could only be "plussed" by Palo's fantastic team of servers and chefs . While all the servers in Palo are among the best on DCL, we were privileged to have the incredible Andreja (from Croatia).

 

The following is courtesy of the Disney Cruise Line website:

Palo is part of Disney Cruise Line Adult Exclusive restaurants. Palo is located on Deck 10, Aft aboard the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder, and on Deck 12, Aft aboard the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy.

Brunch is served while the ship is out at sea during Disney 4-Night and longer cruises.

Brunch: an additional $20 dining charge, per person. Reservations are required and can be made online or onboard the ship.

Online reservations are available at the following times:

• Platinum Castaway Club, Suites/Concierge, Weddings/Vow Renewal, VIP, Media and Make a Wish Guests: 120 days in advance
• Gold Castaway Club: 105 days in advance
• Silver Castaway Club: 90 days in advance
• All Other Reservations: 75 days in advance

For more information, go to Disney Cruise Line and click on "Ships & Activities", then "Onboard Activities", then "Dining". Or call (800) 951-3532.

If you can reserve a spot for Palo's Champagne Brunch, you are in for a real treat. It's an experience you will not soon forget. Enjoy! Si mangia bene qui!

*Quick fact: Named after the poles gondoliers use to move gondolas in the canals of Venice, Palo is also a nod to the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder's shipbuilder in Northern Italy.

From collecting Park brochures as a child, to planning her Disney Fairy Tale Wedding, Fran Cassano keeps the magic of Disney a part of her everyday life. She writes the beginning crafting blog, Practically Perfect DISNEY Crafting over at Lou Mongello's WDWRadio.com. Fran also blogs for her local Patch.com and appears elsewhere as a guest blog writer and contributor.