Happy Halloween from Disney A La Carte!!

A complete guilty pleasure post here. Big on pictures, low on words. Here it is, a selection of pictures I took from Hallowishes Fireworks show at Walt Disney World :)

 My favorite part of this-if you look at the time stamps (yes, I know-I'm lame) you can see in a matter of just 4 minutes, how many changes you see the Cinderella's Castle go through :) If you've never been to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, and you're planning a trip during the Fall season, I can tell you it is a great time and well worth the money. We have always had a great time :)

A Quick Picture Tour of the Walt Disney Suite on the Disney Dream

Here are a few pictures of the Walt Disney Suite on the Disney Dream. Every category of cabins, on the Dream are way above industry standards, but as expected, Walt's Suite is just amazing. Classic styling, imaginative touches and tons of space to spread out in complete luxury, make this an unforgettable experience. I hope you enjoy a quick peek at the Walt Disney Suite on the Disney Dream :)

 Walt Disney Suite on the Disney Dream:

One the sleeping areas. Notice the fiber optic "stars" in the ceiling about the bed. There were also Murphy beds as well for additional sleeping that stored away during the day :)

 Seating for 8 at the dining room table. The windows behind the table leads to your own private patio with personal hot tub and privacy wall.

 The living room area. Flat screen TV, comfy seating, and all decorated in a classic style that matches the ships homage to the luxury liners of the past. I swear you totally expect to see Walt walk though. For some reason it almost reminds me of Walt's office.

This is really clever. One way mirrors provide you with a gorgeous view, while providing privacy. You can see out-but no one can see in!










I wish I had more than a few quick minutes to really take my time and take more & better pictures, but I was still thrilled to get these shots. This is of course an expensive option when cruising on the Disney Dream, but if it is within your budget, I highly recommend the Walt Disney Suite. It is an experience you will never forget.

I hope you enjoyed!

Fruity Drink Fridays

With winter creeping up on us poor souls up North, I decided to to a drink that makes me think of warm afternoons, under a shady tree, sipping a cool drink. This weeks fruity drink is Disney's Kentucky Peach cocktail.


Next week I'll get back to cool weather cocktails ;)


Kentucky Peach
1 1/2 Parts Red Stag Cherry Infused Bourbon
1/2 Parts Peachtree Schnapps
2 Parts Sweet & Sour Mix ( Homemade or pre-made)
1 Part Sprite (or any other lemon-lime soda you prefer)
Mint leaves & cherries to garnish


Pour all ingredients over ice, stir gently (never shake anything with a carbonated beverage) and garnish with mint & cherries. Then pretend it's still Summer. Or even better-book a trip to Disney and then you won't have to pretend ;)

****Now for the disclaimer: These recipes DO contain alcohol and should only be consumed by persons of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly & don't drink and drive. Lisa Ruiz & Disney A La Carte are not responsible for any damage to person(s) or property, or loss of life that result from over consumption or abuse of these recipes. Got it? Not for kids, don't drink & drive, and be responsible :)

Free Dining Booking Window Extended!!

Disney has given us an early Christmas gift-they extended the booking window until December 17th, 2011. So now you can still get in on a great deal and book your Disney vacation and get the Quick Service dining plan with any Value resort stay, and the Plus dining plan with any Moderate or Deluxe resort stay. All you need to hold your package is a $200 refundable deposit. Don't let this deal get away. I mean we're talking 2 of my favorite words: Free & Dining.
Contact me for a free quote at Lisa@SnapshotGetaways.com

New for the Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship

I know I have talked about how excited I am for the newest Disney Cruise Line addition, the Fantasy, to come on line, but here's yet another reason-the Aqua Lab.

It seems that Donald Ducks boisterous nephews Huey, Dewey & Louie created the Aqua Lab and while they are away, young guests of the Fantasy have been left in charge. They must turn wheels & pull levers to help "control" the AquaDuck speed & temperature, as well as many other leaks and spills to tend to.

Another example of Disney creativity and always striving to make the Disney Cruise Line an amazing experience for all it's guests!

If you're interested in getting more information, or booking a Disney Cruise, contact me at Lisa@SnapshotGetaways.com

New reservation policy goes into effect October 26th

Effective October 26th, Disney will now be charging a $10 per person fee for any no-shows or cancellations made less than a day prior. A credit card will be required to make reservations at select restaurants and charged the $10 cancellation fee for the following restaurants:


* 1900 Park Fare
* Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
* Artist Point
* California Grill
* Cape May Café
* Chef Mickey’s
* Cítricos
* The Crystal Palace
* Flying Fish Café
* The Garden Grill
* Hollywood & Vine
*Jiko
* Le Cellier Steakhouse
* Narcoossee’s
* Ohana
* Tusker House Restaurant
* The Hollywood Brown Derby
* Yachtsman Steakhouse
* Victoria & Albert’s (cancellation policy is $25/per person)

Cinderella's Royal Table, Hoop-de-doo Revue, Mickey's Backyard BBQ & Spirit of Aloha will continue to the same policy of charging the full pre-paid cost if not cancelled 1 day in advance.

It remains to be seen if this will help the whole reservation system, and ADR availability or not. Personally I like that the Signature restaurants are implementing this. With the longer dining times & limited seating, it makes a lot of sense. What do you think?

Fruity Drink Fridays

The cooler weather is coming and for some of us, it's already here, so I decided to do a Fall favorite of mine: 
the Hot Spiced Apple Cider. What I love about this drink is a) it's good, b) it can be modified to your tastes, and c) it's good. While I have to be honest-I don't like the Fall, pretty much because it leads to Winter, I do love Fall foods & beverages. So here it is:

Hot Spiced Apple Cider

1 1/4 quart apple cider
3 tablespoons firmly packed light-brown sugar (IF cider is unsweetened)
7 whole cinnamon sticks (6 sticks for garnish)  
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger  
Pinch of ground cloves
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup alcohol of your choice** (Or omit the alcohol and everyone can enjoy :) )

**Some options include Calvados Apple Brandy, Poire William Pear Brandy, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, Pama Pomegranate Liquor-basically the choice is yours :)


This recipe makes about 6 cups worth and you're going to want to make it on the stove or even in a crock pot. Add all ingredients-except alcohol, and bring to a simmer over a medium to low flame. Simmer for a few minutes (5 or so) . Remove from heat. Add your alcohol and serve in mugs with cinnamon sticks or sprinkled on top. 

****Now for the disclaimer: These recipes DO contain alcohol and should only be consumed by persons of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly & don't drink and drive. Lisa Ruiz & Disney A La Carte are not responsible for any damage to person(s) or property, or loss of life that result from over consumption or abuse of these recipes. Got it? Not for kids, don't drink & drive, and be responsible :)

Fall and Winter Room Offers 

at

Walt Disney World Resort

Now two ways to save at the Walt Disney World® Resort!

Book by Nov. 19, 2011, and you can save up to 30%* on rooms at select Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts for stays most nights Oct. 30 – Nov. 21 and Nov. 26 – Dec. 23, 2011. (25% savings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Polynesian Resort; lower savings at other resorts.)

Book by Dec. 21, 2011, and you can save up to 35%* on rooms at select Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts for stays most nights Jan. 2 – Feb. 20, 2012. (30% savings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Polynesian Resort; lower savings at other resorts.)


For a FREE quote & vacation planning, contact me at: Lisa@SnapshotGetaways.com or by phone (845) 283-5099 to get started.