Disney Snacks: EPCOT

I've saved EPCOT for the last destination in my Disney Snacks series. It is my favorite place for snacking in the "world." First of all, we have Future World which does offer pretty good snack items. However, the real star of EPCOT when it comes to snacking is World Showcase! Just so you know, I am more of a sweet than savory type of snacker, so if this post seems heavy on the sweet treats, that's why! :) Here are a few of my favorite snacks in the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow!

-Future World-

Basically, you've got to head to Sunshine Seasons in the Land because it is pure snacking paradise. Also, I could probably eat each meal there, too, but I digress... ;)

Strawberry Shortcake

Sunshine Seasons

This is a classic dessert that delivers in flavor. The moist cake is so good. But with plenty of juicy strawberries and cream? It is even better.

Key Lime Tart

Sunshine Seasons

Key lime pie is one of my all time favorite desserts. They place the thick, tangy pie filling in a circular graham cracker crust and top it with meringue. All together, you've got a tart and sweet treat.  

White Chocolate Mocha Frap

Fountainview Starbucks

Many of us are very thankful that Starbucks is available in Disney Parks now. This is my personal favorite frap-it's so creamy and so refreshing on a hot day at the parks. It is incredibly sweet though, so be prepared for a SUGAR RUSH (and slight kick of caffeine) if you order this. 

-World Showcase-

I'm only going to pick a select few snacks here, but I could definitely do a whole post on snacking around the world. If you're interested in that, leave a comment or tweet me at @princessofpd!

Strawberry Red Bean Ice Cream

Joy of Tea, China

I've only ever had this ice cream at Nine Dragons, but you can also get it at Joy of Tea. Next trip, I will be sure to pick up this refreshing, sweet treat here so I can take it to go. This snack kiosk also offers a good variety of rolls, buns and pockets.

Empanada de Queso

La Cantina de San Angel, Mexico

At this Mexican  counter service restaurant, I like to share these with my party. They are rich, delicious and filling. Oh, and cheesy. I love cheese.

Viking Chocolate Mousse AND School Bread

Kringla Bakery Og Kafe, Norway

Basically, everything I've ever tasted at this bakery is divine and everything I've ever seen be enjoyed by other guests looks amazing. You need to stop here for one of my favorites, or maybe you'll find your own! 

Bisque De Homard

Les Halles Bakery, France

I can definitely say with all of my heart that this is my favorite place to snack in EPCOT, maybe even in all of Disney World! Of course, the desserts here are all fabulous (accordiong to moi!), but this lobster bisque is so creamy and rich. Definitely a favorite. 

Black Forest Cake

Sommerfest, Germany

This is a rich chocolate-cherry cake that is super popular in Germany. It is also popular with me ;) I also can't wait to try the Nudel Gratin from here- have any of you tried it? 

Happy Snacking!

The Pixie Dust Princess

What is Pixie Dust and Where Can I Find Some?

A special sort of dust!

A huge part of this blog is about these two words: pixie and dust! Together, I think they have a nice ring to them: pixie dust! It sounds adorable, yes, but the meaning behind these two words in conjunction is something special. Let's explore the idea of what pixie dust is and means, shall we?!

My first introduction to the phrase "pixie dust" was in Walt Disney's 1953 animated classic "Peter Pan" along with J.M. Barrie's book, "Peter Pan." Tinkerbell, the sassy fairy, had this glimmering dust, which allowed her to fly. Others who were granted this dust also had the ability to fly.

"All you need is faith, trust, and a little bit of pixie dust." Peter Pan

This glittery dust was sparkly and golden. It was beautiful, sure, but it was small. It is dust, after all. I've thought long and hard about pixie dust. I've wished for this fictional dust on more than one occasion. Times when I've felt sad or uninspired. I thought it was really special that such a small fairy could hold all this power in her. Why couldn't I have some pixie dust? I surely needed it.

However, as I've grown, I've realized we all have the ability to share pixie dust with others. Maybe not in the form of gold dust, but in the form of kind words and thoughts. The pixie dust I have received from family, friends, Cast Members in the Disney Parks, or the online Disney community makes me feel special, just as Wendy felt when she had the ability to fly. She was able to forget all her cares and fly away with Peter Pan over clouds in the dark of night.

"So come with me, where dreams are born, and time is never planned. Just think of happy things, and your heart will fly on wings, forever, in Never Never Land!" Peter Pan

Pixie dust creates memories- moments that truly do last a lifetime. Disney has sprinkled this pixie dust on me, and therefore, I feel I need to share it with others.

I want to remind you all that: "To live will be an awfully big adventure." Life is special.

So the next time you wonder where you can get some pixie dust, just look around. Pixie dust is in a smile form a stranger, in a kind gesture, in looking for the good in others.

I know Peter would say "girls talk too much," or maybe even *think* too much, and maybe I am reading into the idea of pixie dust too much. In my heart, though, I truly believe Disney has created pixie dust for all who believe in it and it's power.

I have one plea for you all: don't doubt you can fly. Pan warned us "the moment you doubt" it is "the moment you forever cease to be able to do it."

You can fly, and you can soar. Pixie dust will forever be the heart of my blog because it allows us to soar to unimaginable heights. Let's take flight together.

Pixie Dust Forever, 

The Pixie Dust Princess

Why I'm Excited for The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train has been highly anticipated by all Disney fans! It promises the whimsy of a classic Disney attraction along with a new venue for mild thrill seekers! The Mine Train we've all been anxiously awaiting is almost ready for business! On our recent Disney trips, we've taken a "peek" at the great progress the Imagineers have been making.

Take a Peek!

Or maybe on our more recent trips, we've seen the mine train running with nary a guest!

No guests in sight

We long to be on that bumpy train, to visit our favorite friends while seeing them do what they do best- mine for glittering gems!

Glittering Gems

Well, folks, the time is almost here!
May 28th 
is the OFFICIAL date set for the grand opening of the Seven Dwarves Mine Train to the public!
In fact, we know this because Walt Disney Parks and Resorts chairman Tom Staggs told us so at a special press event at the Magic Kingdom!

Press Event

The reason why I'm so excited for this ride is because there is simply no other like it! The mix of thrill ride and classic Disney dark ride is just amazing. The rickety little train carts rock back and forth, as though you are going to mine some gems just as the dwarfs do! These trains wind around, and up and down the mountain to add to the excitement!

Actors on Mine Train

Plus, the train slows down at some points so you can take in the magical animatronics! It is seriously amazing what these Imagineers can do! These aren't your ordinary animatronics. Oh no! You can see their facial expressions changing- the same type of technology was used in the animatronics at Enchanted Tales with Belle!

Cute Little Dopey

AND there is an interactive queue! It is sure to please the kiddos and kids at heart during the wait.

Interactive Queue

 From what we have seen and heard, this ride is going to be worth the wait! On my next trip to the World, I'll be sure to take some pictures for an in-depth review. For now, I'll be humming "Hi Ho..."

A Million Diamonds Shining, 

*The Pixie Dust Princess*

Hello Humans!

HELLO HUMANS!!! (who can tell me what attraction that is from?!)

Oh my, where do I begin? Life has been busy to say the least. Neglecting my poor blog is not  something I wanted to do over the past few months, but many things took over. However, with summertime coming up, The Pixie Dust Princess will be up and running again with lots of fun posts! I'm genuinely thrilled because because I've been brainstorming lots of magical ideas for this blog lately. So, I hope you'll be ever so kind as to join this blog by clicking that fancy little bloglovin' button and keep adventuring with me! 

See ya real soon, 

*The Pixie Dust Princess*

Resolutions- Disney Style!

Happy New Year Pixie Dust People!

 I have a feeling that 2014 will be a wonderful year full of renewed hope and fulfilled dreams… and plenty of pixie dust (of course)! If you're in need of a little help with your resolutions this new year, look no further than your favorite Disney characters. Even if you just need a little dose of inspiration, Disney characters are often filled with wisdom! I've found they have some pretty good advice when it comes to life, love, and happiness! These are a few of my favorite quotes from a tumblr page dedicated to Disney quotes! Think through these and what they mean to you. 

images courtesy of disneyandquotes.tumblr.com

Wishing you a pixie dusted new year filled with laughter, love and peace...

Well Wishes & Warm Hugs (Olaf style),

The Pixie Dust Princess

Feel free to leave your resolutions or any inspirational tidbits in the comments below :)