Amanda Smith with Favorite Grampy Travels

04/07/2022

This morning we watched the Disney Dream come into PortMiami from our hotel window, and now we are getting ready to board! I’ll have internet here and there, but we are so excited for this adventure, especially since our cruise on the Disney Wish got pushed back due to ship delays. This will go to Castaway Cay and Cozumel, Mexico 🇲🇽

23/04/2022

🤩 First Look: ‘Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!’ Opening Summer 2022

🐠 Climb aboard explorers and hold on tight, because it’s time to take a deep dive into the creation of the freshly reimagined show, “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!” – opening this summer at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park!

🐡 Stepping inside the Theater in the Wild, Guests will catch up with the group of fish from Dr. P. Sherman’s office in “Finding Nemo,” who have made their way across the ocean to the Marine Life Institute. The fish tell Nemo’s story in this fully updated, 25-minute show, incorporating live performers and puppets, along with many of the beloved songs and production numbers from the original “Finding Nemo: The Musical.”

🌋 In addition to a new script, the show will feature new scenic set pieces and a new LED video wall designed to visually extend the world created by the physical sets on stage. We aren’t talking small set pieces either. Be on the lookout for a 32-foot-long sunken submarine and a fish tank volcano standing nearly 15 feet tall!

🎬 Working in close collaboration with Animation Studios, artists and designers at Disney Live Entertainment also developed a new aesthetic for “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!” inspired by layered, cut paper sculptures. The resulting look is fresh and unique to the show, while staying true to the designs in the original film. Check out the video below for a sneak peek.

✨ “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond!” is just one of the many ways Disney is adding even more magic to the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration in the coming months.

🎈👨‍👩‍👦 Amanda Smith with Favorite Grampy Travels

Climb aboard explorers and hold on tight, because it’s time to take a deep dive into the creation of the freshly reimagined show, “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue...

19/04/2022

Cheers, Eeyore!

There’s only one question for the World Showcase … right or left?!

19/04/2022

The wand chooses the wizard Mr. Potter, it's not always clear why ⚡

Who loves the experience at Olivanders 🧙🏻‍♂️🪄🙋🏻
This is a must do for all the Potter fans out there!

[email protected]
🎈👨‍👩‍👦 Favorite Grampy Travels

18/04/2022

For all my Marvel fans out there!!

18/04/2022

We ventured over to Animal Kingdom Lodge — Kidani Village to try some of the updated/new menu items at Sanaa. 🦒 🦓

We had an early reservation at 5:10, which was perfect since the restaurant had just reopened for dinner service. We were able to be seated near a window for a view of the animals.

We started with the bread service, which was its normal level of fantastic, scoring bonus points for the gluten free naan 🫓. I recommend becoming a sauce mixologist and trying some different combinations!

Of the newer menu items we tried the Pork Shank and the Zanzibari Vegetable Curry with Shrimp (there was also a chicken option).

🦒The Pork Shank was fantastic! Fall off the bone tender and the seasoning was a perfect compliment to the black eyes peas and veggies that it is served with.

🦒 The Zanzibari curry with shrimp was very flavorful and the vegetables were super fresh.

⭐️ Pro-tip for my GF buddies — due to supply issues, Sanaa is using a different recipe for the allergy-friendly naan and I really liked it better than the old recipe, as it was a much more naan like consistency.

18/04/2022

Coaster fans unite!!!! Cast previews started today for Cosmos Rewind and from what I’ve read, The Imagineers hit it out of the park again!

Get ready for an intergalactic chase through time and space – Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is set to officially debut May 27 at EPCOT!

Get excited – Xandarians are coming to Earth and building the first “other-world” showcase pavilion at EPCOT, called the Wonders of Xandar pavilion. You’ll be able to learn more about their technology and culture as you move through the pavilion, and discover how our two cultures are similar in so many ways.

But what actually happens aboard this family-thrill coaster? We’ve got a little bit of an idea…see the video below!

The excitement begins May 27 when Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind releases its awesome mixtape of an attraction to the world. This is another big, magical moment in the 18-month Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration currently underway.

It’s not too late to book a trip so that you can be there when it launches! Contact me now to book before it all fills up.



https://youtu.be/V2Z3AESvxRA

As part of the EPCOT transformation, strap in, get your game face on and crank up your mixtape as you twist, turn and blast through an awesome intergalactic ...

26/11/2021

🇲🇽 Our favorite “Cave” to stop in for a drink! 🇲🇽

La Cava del Tequila de San Angel has long been a favorite of ours and we are so happy to be able to stop in and hang out a bit with the trio chips and salsa and some drinks.

🙋🏼‍♀️The Cucumber Margarita 🌶
🙋🏼‍♂️ Dragones Top Shelf 🍹
👧🏼 Pina Colada Slushie 🍍

26/11/2021

26/11/2021

We’re on the move for Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition!

We are searching for Olaf and his items — find them all and choose a prize!

**The actual prizes are apparently stuck in the ocean, but there are some replacements for the time being. Our cashier thought maybe we may be able to trade in for the replacement?**

26/11/2021

🚨 Festival of the Holidays Merch 🚨

Olaf is featured prominently in this year’s Festival of the Holidays Merchandise in a fuzzy Spirit Jersey, a Passholder Exclusive Sweatshirt, and more! What do you want the most?

🗺 Creations Shop in Epcot
📸 by Me!!

25/11/2021

ICYMI : Original stage adaptation of ‘The Little Mermaid’ will headline all-new live entertainment exclusively aboard the Disney Wish 🚢
🪙A Treasure Retold – ‘Disney The Little Mermaid’
“Disney The Little Mermaid” will be an original Broadway-style stage adaptation of the renowned 1989 Disney Animation film developed exclusively for the Disney Wish. During this one-of-a-kind theatrical production, audiences will rediscover the iconic scenes, acclaimed music and beloved characters of “The Little Mermaid” while experiencing the story like never before.
🧜‍♀️ In this modern-day retelling, the curtain will rise on an enchanted treasure chest at the moment it is discovered by a group of storytellers, led by a special young woman who has the power to unlock its magic. As they uncover the whozits and whatzits galore hidden within the trunk, the storytellers will take on the roles of Ariel, 🐙Ursula, Prince Eric, 🦀Sebastian, 🐟Flounder and more, bringing to life the immersive undersea world right before guests’ eyes. They’ll put their own contemporary spin on the timeless story of a young woman’s search for independence, ♥️ love and a place in the world.
“Disney The Little Mermaid” will feature innovative theatrical design, dazzling special effects, artistic choreography, and a reimagined script and score that will surprise and delight guests of all ages.
🎼New orchestrations of favorite songs like “Part of Your World,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls” and “Under the Sea” will enchant audiences with moving ensemble pieces and breathtaking production numbers.
🎭 Unexpectedly playful scenic designs and state-of-the-art video projections will transform the Walt Disney Theatre into a 360-degree undersea environment.
🪡🧵Contemporary, interpretive costuming will reflect the show’s unique blending of a modern setting and a mystical, fantastical story.
Cutting-edge puppetry will animate fantastical sea creatures and characters such as Sebastian, Flounder, Scuttle, and Flotsam and Jetsam in never-before-seen ways.
🛳

24/11/2021

Visiting Raglan Road in awhile and SO EXCITED for their gluten free options. I’ll do a full write up later on, but for now … did you know that almost everything in the restaurant is imported from Ireland, even the walls?! Our waitress, Sadie said some of moulding on the walls is from an old Irish Manor House and that the only things not imported are the toilets (from Wisconsin!). I’m having a De Cider, and my husband is having a Guinness … cheers!!!

23/11/2021

My fellow Favorite Grampy Travels agent, April over at Pixie Dusted Lifestyle, has done a write up to prep for the International Festival of the Holidays that starts on Friday at Epcot! Check it out — we will be there!

https://www.pixiedustedjourneys.com/epcot-international-festival-of-the-holidays-menus/?fbclid=IwAR0VdJ_DAk1SeHG_XQiw-apnRlYOH_ISPAu_ANQ2icnp8_JUeQcGzIgnyjY

A list of all the tasty drinks and snacks on the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Menus 2021.

23/11/2021

🚨 New Merch Alert🚨

New EAR-idescent Loungefly Backpacks spotted at the Emporium in the Magic Kingdom! Retail for these is $110, so don’t forget any applicable discount cards (AP/DVC)

22/11/2021

Looking for some delicious gluten free, dairy free, nut free, vegan treats? Make sure to swing into Erin McKenna’s Bakery in Disney Springs! The day we were in, there were specialty donuts, scones, and this whole CASE of deliciousness! My favorite was the chocolate dipped coconut mound that was dreidel shaped!

21/11/2021

🕎 🍸 Martinis Around The World 🌎 🎄

Geyser Point Bar and Grill at the Wilderness Lodge has a new Martini Flight! For $21.00 you get a taster of four different martinis. You can also get these as full-sized pours individually. Geyser Point is just a quick resort launch trip away from the Magic Kingdom and is a perfect spot for a quiet afternoon break.

🍸 Florida Key Lime Pie — Parrot Bay Rum, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Lime (nice and tart!)

🍸 Mexican Poinsettia — Chateau St. Michelle Brut, Cranberry Juice, Cranberry (bubbles and a hint of cranberry)

🍸 Caribbean Cream — Plantation Rum, Rumchata, Shakin’ Jamaican Cold Brew, Caramel Syrup (spiked caramel macchiato)

🍸 Italian Manhattan — Maker’s Mark, Antica Sweet Vermouth, Amaretto, Cranberry Juice, Angostura Bitters, Luxardo Cherry (cocktail favorite with a festive twist)

Generally, as a person with a gluten sensitivity, different liquors don’t bother me too much, but do what you need to make things work for you. My favorite was the Manhattan, but all of them were good!

21/11/2021

The puppeteers and steel drum artist at the front of Animal Kingdom are so talented!

21/11/2021

💦 "Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming"

Did you hear this big 📣 announcement⁉️

🐟 Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond is coming to in 2022 to be the replacement for Finding Nemo: The Musical 🎶🎵

🎈👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Favorite Grampy Travels

21/11/2021

🥘 Disney World Gluten Friendly Adventures🍴

As a Gluten avoider, I have always been pleased with my options at Disney World! Yesterday we went to Wine Bar George in Disney Springs for brunch and I was so pleased with my choices.

For the Gluten Avoider, aka ME 💁🏼‍♀️…
🍴 Burrata (avocado, tomato, bacon — I asked to hold the ciabatta and add extra bacon and it became a big delicious salad

For the Gluten Eaters 👨‍👧(with a guest appearance 💁🏼‍♀️)
🍴 Kendall Brook Smoked Salmon Appetizer 🥖 (salmon with ciabatta crisp, crème fraîce, fried capers — delicious salmon! I did have a piece of just the salmon with some of the toppings and the flavors were excellent!)
🍴 Steak and Egg Frites 🥩(skirt steak, eggs, sriracha hollandaise — Rave reviews from my husband, perfectly cooked steak and delicious flavors … this could probably be adapted to be gluten friendly depending on the status of the fryer — I did not ask but will ask next time)
🍴 Kids Mac and Cheese 🧀 (super creamy and cheesy — if your Mouseketeer is into lots of creaminess then this will be perfection, ours wanted a little bit more noodle but she ate some and then said that the fries were the beat part!)

Wine and Cocktails 🍷
We opted to get the Corksicles Cups as part of our purchase — if you bring your glass back, you get $2 off your frozen drink. Wine Bar George is now also stocking the Disney Corksicles, when we were there they had Dark Vader, C3PO, R2D2, Minnie Mouse, Spider Man, as well as a Pink WBG and a Black WBG.
🙋🏼‍♀️ Minnie Corksicle with Freaujolais (Beaujolais, Vodka, Raspberry) — so refreshing!
🙋🏼‍♂️ R2D2 Corksicle with Bloody Mary (perfectly made! He was glad that he gave them another chance on the Bloody Mary because this one was so much better than the last time we were there!)
👧🏼 C3PO Corksicle with Milk (because our only child travel buddy wants to be included and you can’t have Artoo without Threepio!)

Pro tip— 🍷 Make sure to ask for the current paper copy of the Wine List! Our waitress told us that the online version on the digital menus is never quite up to date because their wines change so frequently!

21/11/2021

ICYMI: Festival of Fantasy Parade is returning to Magic Kingdom in 2022‼️

♥️ Did you miss it⁉️

When the Walt Disney World parks reopened in July of 2020, Festival of Fantasy was sorely missed. Now, guests can rest assured that their favorite full-length parade will be back next year🥰

🎈👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Favorite Grampy Travels

21/11/2021

Fantastic! Is officially returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2022 … it’s going to be a big year!!!

21/11/2021

‼️ 🚨 More Disney D23 Breaking News 🚨‼️

🎡 Returning to Disneyland Resort next year are “World of Color” and “Fantasmic!”, along with the “Main Street Electrical Parade,” which will return in time to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

🐉 Returning to Walt Disney World Resort in early 2022, Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom!

🎢 New images were shared showing the exciting progress being made for the much-anticipated TRON attraction coming to Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort

🌐As part of the historic transformation of EPCOT, teams have been reimagining the front of the park and the entry experience for guests. In the future, there will be a new location near Spaceship Earth called Dreamers Point with a spectacular view of the park and a new statue of Walt Disney! Disney Imagineers are now working to bring this new statue to life.

🍱 Also announced was the name of a new quick-service restaurant, Connections Café and Eatery, debuting in the World Celebration neighborhood of EPCOT as part of the park’s ongoing transformation.

🇫🇷 Disneyland Paris, Avengers Campus will open next summer as part of the 30th Anniversary Celebration! Earth’s Mightiest Heroes will assemble for the next chapter of the Global Avengers initiative and offer incredible new experiences for Super Hero fans, right on the heels of the opening of Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel earlier this year.

🏡 At Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland park, Imagineers are working to reimagine the land with some all-new experiences for families and young children that will feature new play experiences, as well as open, grassy spaces to enjoy in 2023!

20/11/2021

✨BREAKING: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will open to Guests in summer 2022 in EPCOT as part of the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary celebration! 🎉
▶️ "Debuting in the newly renamed World Discovery neighborhood of EPCOT, this family-thrill coaster attraction will match the scale and adventure of the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, inviting Guests on an intergalactic chase through time and space. It will feature the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster and will be one of the longest fully enclosed coasters in the world."

20/11/2021

We are checking in for the week at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge 🐻 🌲

The Christmas Tree is up and the Lodge is all decked out for the Holidays 🎄

16/10/2021

🌐Here’s a look at ALL of the cookies on the 2021 Cookie Stroll at EPCOT’s Festival of the Holidays:
🍫 Snickers-Doodle Cookie made with Snickers bar pieces at Yukon Holiday Kitchen (Canada)
⚫️⚪️Black and White Cookie at L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen
🍪 Chocolate Crinkle Cookie made with Dove Dark Chocolate at American Holiday Table
🎅🏻 Linzer Cookie at Bavaria Holiday Kitchen
🎄 Gingerbread Cookie at Holiday Hearth Desserts
🎁 Once you’ve collected all 5 stamps for getting these cookies, you’ll present your Festival Passport to the Holiday Sweets & Treats booth to receive a specialty cookie! (Looks to be a ✨ 50th Anniversary cookie!)
Which one are you most looking forward to❓

— at Walt Disney World.

16/10/2021

One of my favorite Holiday Traditions is back! 🎄

🕯️Candlelight Processional Dining Packages are back and bookable online starting October 26th‼️

Choose from 4️⃣ unique restaurants at . Each package includes:

🧑🏿‍🍳An appetizer, entrée and dessert or one (1) full buffet (where applicable), along with a non-alcoholic beverage.
➕
One (1) guaranteed seat per person to the Candlelight Processional held on the same day

Biergarten Restaurant $62.00/ $35.00
Coral Reef Restaurant $74.00/$25.00
Garden Grill Restaurant $71.00/ $46.00
Rose & Crown Dining Room $63.00 /$25.00
*Adult/child prices. Plus tax and gratuity

⚠️ To enter EPCOT, both a theme park reservation and valid theme park admission are required. EPCOT admission is not included in the price of the dining package

🎈👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Favorite Grampy Travels

— at Walt Disney World.

08/10/2021

🧞‍♂️ Genie+ and Lightning⚡ Lanes Launch October 19th‼️

Here's a list of the attractions for each park:

🏰 Magic Kingdom.....

⚡ Individual Lightning Lane Selections Attractions include*:
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Space Mountain

🧞‍♂️ Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane Selections Attractions include*:

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Haunted Mansion
“it’s a small world”
Jungle Cruise
Mad Tea Party
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
Peter Pan’s Flight
Pirates of the Caribbean
Splash Mountain
The Barnstormer
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Tomorrowland Speedway
Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid

🌐 EPCOT.....

⚡ Individual Lightning Lane Selections Attractions include*:
Frozen Ever After
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure

🧞‍♂️ Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane Selections Attractions include*:
Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival
Journey into Imagination with Figment
Living with the Land
Mission: SPACE – Green
Mission: SPACE – Orange
Soarin’
Spaceship Earth
Test Track
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Turtle Talk with Crush

🎥 Disney's Hollywood Studios.....

⚡ Individual Lightning Lane Selections Attractions include*:
Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

🧞‍♂️ Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane Selections Attractions include*:
Alien Swirling Saucers
Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along
Disney Jr. Dance Party
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular - Returning December 19, 2021
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Muppet*Vision 3D
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
Slinky Dog Dash
Star Tours
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Toy Story Mania!

🌳 Disney's Animal Kingdom Park.....

⚡ Individual Lightning Lane Selections Attractions include*:
Avatar Flight of Passage
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

🧞‍♂️ Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane Selections Attractions include*:
Celebration of the Festival of the Lion King
DINOSAUR
Feathered Friends in Flight!
It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
Kali River Rapids
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Naʻvi River Journey
The Animation Experience

🎈👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Favorite Grampy Travels