While I was there I tried Butterbeer, the signature drink from the stories. We waited in line for ten minutes or so and got a cup of amber frozen sweetness. It was very good, but I was glad I was sharing it with someone else. It was so sweet and so buttery that a little bit went a long way. Now that I have tasted Butterbeer I have no desire to try it again. But let it be said I thought Universal did a great job of bringing the world of Harry Potter to life, including Butterbeer.

While all this Harry Potter stuff in interesting this is a Disney blog, so why am I going on and on about Universal? Well, Butterbeer was so popular at Universal that Disney wanted their own signature drink. This was going to be a little difficult because Disney has lots of great drinks (you have to try Ramone’s Pear of Dice Soda) and they do not have a movie that emphasizes one drink like Harry Potter does with Butterbeer.

A new beverage was revealed when New Fantasyland opened at the Magic Kingdom. Lefou’s Brew is a fun apple drink inspired by Beauty and the Beast that is found at Gaston’s Tavern. Guests at Disneyland were not left out and a different signature drink was created for Fantasy Faire, the newest area of Fantasyland. It is called Boysen Apple Freeze and is found at Maurice’s Treats. Boysen rhymes with poison so it is obviously a Snow White reference. I couldn’t wait to try this new drink and see how it compared to Butterbeer.

So…which did I like better, Butterbeer, or Boysen Apple Freeze? It may seem like I have a bias, but anyone who know me knows that I love Harry Potter about as much as I love Disney (if Disney had made the Harry Potter movies I would have cried with joy). So with no bias, just my taste buds as my judge, I declare…Boysen Apple Freeze the winner. This drink was much lighter than Butterbeer and the combination of boysenberry, raspberry, and apple made the drink both tart and sweet. This is a drink that I will buy every time I visit Disneyland. When I go back to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (once they fix their crowd problems) I will try other drinks but not Butterbeer.

Congratulations to Disney for winning the battle of the drinks. They won in another way, too. You can get a souvenir cup with either drink, but Disney’s cups are way cooler. You get to choose between a princess goblet or a Beast beer stein. I chose the goblet and love using it at home. Happiness squared.

Goofy Tip: If you are looking for breakfast at Disneyland bypass the crowds at Main Street U.S.A. and head over to Fantasy Faire. Boysen Apple Freeze makes a great breakfast drink.  At the same cart you can buy a twist. I tried the cheesy garlic twist and it was excellent. It is a good size (you can see me holding one above), enough for a light meal and plenty big enough to share with a friend for a snack. They also had strawberry and chocolate. I can’t wait to try them all.

Image from Disney Parks Blog

I love to look at the display cases in the candy shops at the Disney parks. They are filled with so many wonderful treats that I never know which one to choose. One item that I love but never buy is caramel apples. I love everything about a caramel apple except the stickiness and the mess that eating an apple on a stick makes. But the taste…Yum!

The Disney confectioners have now made a caramel apple that I can’t wait to try. The English Toffee Gourmet Apple is dipped in chocolate, dipped in caramel, covered in English toffee bits, and drizzled with more chocolate. Awesome! But it is still a sticky juicy mess. What to do?

My answer is to enjoy it like I would a fancy dinner. You wouldn’t eat a fancy dinner while walking down the sidewalk trying to keep the mess off your clothes. Caramel apples should be savored. So here are five tips to help you enjoy every bit of your sweet treat.

5 ways to enjoy a Disney caramel apple:

1) Take a picture of it. These apples are works of art. Take a picture of it before, during, and after. The memories will last long after the taste does.

2) Sit down. These apples are big and juicy. To avoid making a mess as you try to walk and eat find a bench or even better a table and chair so you can take your time and focus on your treat.

3) Slice it up. If you are at a place where you can get a knife then slice off pieces to enjoy. The caramel likes to slide around and if you try to take a bite out of the smooth round apple you may lose the coating. Cutting slices off also keeps the mess under control.

4) Use lots of napkins. Your hands are going to be sticky. Your face is going to be sticky. Stock up on napkins before you start so you can enjoy the treat without worrying about cleaning up.

5) Share an apple with friends. These treats are huge and there is a lot of variety. Why not share them with your friends. If you use the four previous tips you’ll have more than just an afternoon treat, you’ll have a great memory.

So, go ahead. Try a caramel apple. It’s a fruit, right? And as you know an apple a day keeps the doctor away. However, I don’t promise that these treats will keep the dentist away. Happiness squared.

Goofy Food: Even if you are not visiting a Disney park soon you can enjoy caramel apples at home. Spoonful.com has a nice basic recipe to get you started. Remember the skies the limit when it comes to toppings. I think chocolate, caramel, English toffee bits, and more chocolate is perfect. What combination would you try?

So why have I never done this? When I was a kid I cared more about going on rides than eating special meals. Plus, you usually have to make reservations and we didn’t plan our trips very far in advance. Now that I am older I know I can go without any children, but I think it would be more magical with kids. I am hoping that next year I’ll get to visit Disneyland with some youngsters and experience a character meal.

Since I have not personally been to a character meal I would not be a good source for advice. Luckily, I read some great Disney websites that have reviewed many of the character dining events. One of these resources is disneydining.com. They have many articles about character meals and I think their most recent post will be useful to anyone who like me has never experienced character dining events.

These ten character dining tips work for any character meal of your choice. I especially liked the advice they have for not disappointing children. I know I would be disappointed if the one character I truly wanted to see wasn’t there, so it is better to not make promises. That advice is useful for most of a Disney vacation since changes happen in the parks all the time.

If you have never thought of going to a character meal I recommend that you try it out. I have read a lot of articles about it and overall the reviews are stunning. It really is a great way to interact with your favorite princess or mouse. Happiness squared.

Goofy Tip: Reservations are a must for character dining. When you set  the dates for your trip I would figure out which meal you want to go to and make those reservations first. It is easier to plan your trip around a special meal than miss out because you waited too long to get a table.

Image from www.spoonful.com

Goofy. Pluto. Zero. Lady and the Tramp. Walt Disney obviously loved dogs since he created so many memorable canine characters. Why not celebrate Disney dogs during the dog days of summer? Spoonful.com has cool crafts and recipes that will have you howling with delight.

Cupcakes are all the rage and spoonful.com has two different types with dog themes. If you are looking for some fun try the dalmation cupcakes. If you want something a little sweeter serve the spaghetti and meatball cupcakes inspired by Lady and the Tramp.  Either will be drool worthy.

Crafts are always a fun thing to do at a party and everyone will have something neat to bring home. These items are much more appealing than a cheap plastic party favor. I like doorknob signs and kids can choose between Goofy and the dogs from Up. With these craft ideas there is something for everyone.

So why not have a party to celebrate the end of summer or the start of a new school year. Dogs makes a fun theme and everyone has a favorite Disney dog. Surprise! Mine is Goofy. I bet you’d never guess. Happiness squared.

Goofy Tip: It is not hard to make spaghetti and meatball cupcakes but it does take time. If you want to enjoy the cupcake without doing any of the work then have a meal at Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The spaghetti and meatball cupcake is one of the dessert items available. These cupcakes are big so you might want to share.

I hope that just because you consider yourself an adult that you still like animals. I think animals are liked by just about everyone. That being said Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a great way to see some animals that you probably don’t see every day, and even better you can see them up close and personal. When you stop and watch many of these animals you will learn things that make them more remarkable than they already are. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is not a large park, nor does it have a ton of rides. This makes it a park that you can relax in. Take time to wander the winding paths without feeling pressured. Surprises are found to those who keep their eyes open.

Many of the attractions are great for adults with only a few exceptions. I explain both below.

5 fun activities that adults can enjoy at Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

1) Watch the Festival of the Lion King. Walt Disney World has tons of great shows, but this one might be the best. The singing is amazing, the acrobatics are thrilling, and costumes are stunning. This show is a must-see and a great reason to visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It is moving into a new theatre that was designs specifically for this show. I can’t wait to see it again once it has moved.

2) Stay out of Dinoland. I love dinosaurs but I stay out of Dinoland. I know what the idea was behind Dinoland, but it is just a big playground for kids filled with carnival rides and doesn’t have a lot of appeal, even for adults who love dinosaurs. The kids love this area though, and it is a great way for them to blow off steam. However, I recommend that adults stay away.

3) Stroll through The Maharajah Jungle Trek and The Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. Taking  a ride on the Kilimanjaro Safaris is fun and you’ll see a lot of animals off in the distance, but if you want to get up close to hippos and tigers and gorillas then you need to walk. These two trails, one in Africa and one in Asia, are the best way to see some remarkable animals. The theming is so good that you’ll think you’ve left Florida and entered a new continent.

4) Enjoy a meal at Tusker House or Yak and Yeti. There are not a lot of grown-up choices for food at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Many of the restaurants are counter service with typical park fare. For a more interesting meal try out the Tusker House in Africa or Yak and Yeti in Asia. There you can get food filled with all the flavors of the land you are visiting.

So, Hakuna Matata! Disney’s Animal Kingdom is sure to delight even the most grown up grown-up. This park was designed to be immersive so keep your eyes open and these lands will enchant you with their story. Happiness squared.

Goofy Tip: Some of the best restaurants not in the parks, but at the resorts. One way to enjoy an adult experience at the parks is to wander around the resorts and enjoy a fine meal there. I especially like the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The architecture is interesting and there are animals like giraffes roaming around outside. While there enjoy dinner at Jiko – the Cooking Place. You will have a meal that is unforgettable.

Everyone loves the Food and Wine Festival

No one who knows me would say I am an adult. Well, I guess I am an adult because of my age, but I am definitely not grown-up. So how can I write a series on adult things to do in the Disney parks? I know a lot of adults and if I was visiting the parks with them I would recommend these ideas. The fun part is that the five ideas I have listed work for both grown-ups and those of us who never grew up.  My short list works for those adults who don’t want anything Mickey Mouse. Why would they go to a Disney park, you ask? Because the parks are for everyone. Today we’ll visit Epcot at Walt Disney World.

Epcot may be the most adult park at Walt Disney World and I don’t mean that as a bad thing. Epcot is awesome, but there are lots of attractions that would not be interesting to children. However, teenagers and adults can find lots of fantastic rides and restaurants to try out. I admit that my favorite attraction is Ellen’s Energy Adventure (which seems to be closed a lot) and it is not a very grown-up ride. However, for grown-ups there is a day’s worth of fun. The five ideas I have listed below barely scratch the surface.

5 fun activities that adults can enjoy at Epcot:

1) Don’t miss the pavilion that most matches your interest. Do you like outer space, or fast cars, or undersea animals? There is a pavilion for each of these interests. I do recommend visiting every pavilion, but if you are short on time pick the attraction that interests you the most.

2) Take lots of time to explore the World Showcase. World Showcase does not open until 11 a.m. so you can either sleep in and then explore this area or spend time in the Future World part of Epcot since it opens earlier. My family always visits Epcot over two days. We spend one day in Future World and one day in the World Showcase. There is much to see if you enter the pavilions and explore them indepth. Each country has created a wonderful world filled with great food, intriguing performances, and exhibits filled with cultural treasures.

3) Stop at the Club Cool. This is a fun place to stop as you leave Future World and head for the World Showcase, especially on hot days. You can try out different Coke products from around the world for free. They are not all tasty, but they are all worth a taste.

4) Enjoy a French pastry at Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie. This eatery as been expanded and I can attest that the pastries are amazing. It is a great way to get the taste and flavor of Paris without needing a passport.

5) Visit Epcot during the International Food and Wine Festival. Each fall the World Showcase becomes a smorgasbord of international cuisine and fine wines. You can buy a wrist card and try out snacks from around the world. This is a very popular event and I would suggest visiting during the week when the crowds are less dense.

I know lots of adults who’s favorite park is Epcot. If you are looking for a park to take an all adult group to I would visit Epcot first. All five senses will be impressed in this community of tomorrow and showcase of the world. Happiness squared.

Goofy Tip: If you are looking for a great place to eat exit the World Showcase at the International Gateway and either walk or take the boat to the BoardWalk. This river front area has delicious high-end restaurants, unique shops, and lively entertainment. It is a relaxing place to spend a balmy evening. You’ll feel like you entered another world.

There have been a lot of changes at the Magic Kingdom. Some areas have disappeared while others have expanded. Any child or adult who adores the Disney princesses will be thrilled with New Fantasyland. For more grown-up adults there are other areas of the park that are just as enjoyable. These areas may not be advertised as much but they are some of my favorites.

5 fun activities that adults can enjoy at the Magic Kingdom:

1) Skip New Fantasyland. Fantasyland has been expanded into the area that was Mickey’s Toontown Fair. New castles were built and more rides and restaurants were added. This area is a child’s dream come true. However, if you have no desire to interact with animated characters I would leave New Fantasyland to the children.

2) Take a spin on Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress. Being an adult does not mean not having fun. Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress is a fun ride that takes you through the history of electronics by following one family through the years. It is a great example of edu-tainment and not overly popular with children.

3) Spend some time in Liberty Square. This area is squashed between Fantasyland and Frontierland and is often missed as people rush from ride to ride. However, this land is filled with inspirational attractions and really good restaurants. Take your time looking at the Liberty Tree and the variety of quaint shops.

4) Watch the Fireworks from the train station on Main Street, U.S.A. The evening fireworks show are worth waiting for, but often great masses of Guests try to leave after the show. If that is your plan then I recommend watching the show from a spot close by the train station at the exit to the park. You can then enjoy the parks and know that you’ll beat the crowds trying to get to the resort busses.

5) Choose your restaurants wisely. Since there are so many amazing restaurants at the resorts and other parks the Magic Kingdom focuses more on family fare and meals where you can meet characters. However, you will not starve if you check out The Liberty Tree Tavern or Tony’s Town Square Restaurant. Delicious.

The Magic Kingdom is a lot like Disneyland and shares many of the same rides. However, it is the differences that make this park special. I love spending time in Liberty Square because Walt Disney wanted to build this area at Disneyland but it never happened. That makes this land a hidden gem. If you take the time to find the diamonds-in-the-rough you find that anyone can have a great time at the parks. Happiness Squared.

Goofy Tip: If your goal is to have a fun time at the parks without dealing with screaming children then I suggest arriving late and staying until close. Since you have no desire to ride the newest Fantasyland rides there is no reason to arrive early. Many of the children will not make it to closing so staying late means you have the the park to yourself (an thousands of other night-owls.)

Unlike Disneyland it is easy to find lots of adult activities at Disney California Adventure. Unlike Disneyland you can even enjoy an alcoholic beverage at Disney California Adventure. I recommend you visit this park at opening for the foreseeable future because everyone is going to head over to Cars Land. If animated characters are not your thing than you can enjoy the rest of the park without huge crowds.

There are lots of adult activities at Disney California Adventure but I am just going to name five. These are not necessarily the top five, but they are a great way to see the park and maintain your adult status.

5 fun activities that adults can enjoy at Disney California Adventure:

1) Shop Buena Vista Street. Buena Vista Street is sort of like Main Street, U.S.A. but for Disney California Adventure. Instead of walking through turn-of-the-century middle America you are exploring Hollywood in the 1920s. There are lots of great stores filled with vintage items. It is fun to browse through merchandise that you don’t see anywhere else.

2) Dine at the Carthay Circle Restaurant. There are many great restaurants at Disney California Adventure. If you head over to Pacific Wharf you can have your pick of many enthicities. But if you want a very special meal in a very special setting than I would made reservations for Carthay Circle Restaurant. This is fine dining at its best. I was serious about the reservation. Despite its high price this is a very popular restaurant because the food and the ambiance are superb.

3) Stay away from “a bug’s land” and Cars Land. Both of these areas are fun and bring the movies to life, but they are also the most popular areas for young children. The attractions in “a bug’s land” especially are designed for children under six years old. Most of the attractions outside these areas are perfect for teenagers and adults and many of them have height restrictions so young children can not ride them.

4) Take the Bakery Tour, hosted by Boudin Bakery. When I was in San Francisco I had a great time learning how sourdough bread was made. You can have the same fun at Disney California Adventure by taking the Bakery Tour. During the tour you’ll get to see bread being made on site and then sample some at the end. Sampling is always my favorite part. This is a great idea for hot summer days since it keeps you indoors and out of the sun.

5) Enjoy Soarin’ Over California. There are lots of rides that adults will enjoy at Disney California Adventure, but Soarin’ is unique. With your seat high off the ground you will feel like you are flying over the beautiful scenery of California. This multi-sensory ride is perfect for any adult. And when you are done you can enjoy a beer at the Taste Pilots’ Grill next door.

As I said there are many more grown-up activities at Disney California Adventure that will please any Guest trying to avoid the mouse. The vintage Hollywood vibe can take you back to yesteryear, when the men all wore hats and the women all wore skirts and trolley cars kept the city moving. Happiness squared.

Goofy Tip: If you are looking for the ultimate adult area at the Disney parks head over to Downtown Disney. This free area has lots of great shops, restaurants, and entertainment. It is a great place to hang out after a day in the parks or to go to when you want some enjoy a great meal and music with your friends.

Judy enjoys a great meal before the fireworks

It is safe to say that the Disney parks have the best fireworks shows in the world. They are the most state-of-the-art, the most creative, and the most emotional shows I’ve ever seen. I never miss the fireworks shows at the Magic Kingdom. For me they top off an already incredible day.

It never occurred to me that planning the fireworks shows would be a full time job involving multiple people. That sounds like a great job. How rewarding would it be to create something that millions of people enjoy every year? Who does these jobs? Disney Parks Blog interviewed one of these people and he gave us a glimpse into how he brings the best fireworks shows to the park. Click here to see the page with the video. It is not long but it gave me new appreciation for the shows. The next time I see a Disney nighttime spectacular I will think of all the people who brought the show to life. Happiness squared.

Goofy Tip: Would you like to see the Magic Kingdom fireworks show from high above the park and enjoy an amazing meal in the same evening? Than make reservations for the newly re-opened California Grill at the top of the Contemporary Resort. Tell them that you would like to see the fireworks so that your reservation is for the right time. When the show starts you can watch it from a balcony at the top of the hotel. It is an amazing view. The music from the show is piped in so you get the whole experience. The fireworks were breathtaking and the meal was one of the best I have ever had in my entire life. Though it was extremely expensive it was worth every penny. It was a night I will never forget.

Image from www.spoonful.com

Friday is here and I feel like crafting. Since the 4th of July is next week I want to make fun decorations to celebrate. Spoonful.com has some wonderful patriotic ideas that add a touch of Disney fun to your party. You’re not having a party? After you see these great decoration and food ideas you’ll want to have one. Spoonful.com even has printable invitations that you can send out to your friends and family. Because nothing is as American as barbeque and Disney.

My favorite crafts are ones that are useful as well as fun and the hot dog holder fits the bill. Make a bunch of these up and your guests will feel like they are enjoying their dog at the ballpark. For dessert I would recommend the Mad Hatter cupcakes. These look awesome yet are easy to make. The Minnie Mouse Statue of Liberty makes a fun table decoration and I would set out pre-made rosettes and glue and let everyone make their own patriotic crown.

With 22 craft and recipe ideas you’ll be celebrating the 4th of July in style. All you need for a memorable party is good friends, good food, and some fun decorations in red, white, and Disney. Happiness squared.

Goofy Video: If you feel like a watching a movie on the 4th of July how about something patriotic? I recommend Johnny Tremain. This Disney movie tells the story of a boy who gets involved with the Sons of Liberty and helps fight for America’s independence. It is fun to watch and will help explain why we celebrate our Independence on the 4th of July.