"Yes, folks, we only have high class stuff on this show." The Hungry Bear Restaurant

Oh my goodness, I don’t think it was a wise decision to try to blog every day in March when I have a show opening the first week of April! But I soldier on.

Since I alluded to it in my last post, I figured I’d write something short and sweet about one of my favorite places, the Hungry Bear Restaurant!

Hungry?

 

This is the counter service place in Critter Country – it’s easy to walk right by it, but when you really look, it’s pretty big, with both upstairs and downstairs seating. The seating wraps around the side/back of the restaurant, with views of the Rivers of America, a peaceful setting while you’re eating. The Disneyland Railroad travels past the back of the upstairs deck, and both the Columbia and Mark Twain sail by serenely, prompting my sister Maddie to say one of my favorite Disneyland quotes (as the Mark Twain passed us while eating at the HB), “You know, not to brag, but if I had a running start…and one of those gymnastics-jumpy things, I could jump from this deck to that boat.” HAHA…or maybe you had to be there. Ah, memories.

Restrooms are on the downstairs level – we’re familiar with these since they’re large and never too crowded. To me it seems that the HB opens late and closes early – they only serve lunch and aren’t open late at night, but I never have trouble finding time to dine there!

I can’t completely vouch for all of the food at the Hungry Bear, (take a look at their menu here, thanks to AllEars.net) because I only get one thing every time I go. “The Fried Green Tomato Sandwich - cornmeal crusted fried green tomatoes layered with two slices of fresh heirloom tomatoes, topped with havarti, remoulade, jicama-mango slaw and served on a multi-grain roll.” Served with sweet potato fries. Hea-ven! DOUBLE tomatoes and the slaw is so so good. I’ve gotten the Lemon “Bumblebee” Cupcake too, which was super pretty AND tasty. There’s only ketchup, mustard and mayo at the condiments/silverware/napkins bar, but they have BBQ sauce and ranch behind the counter if you ask. I do wish they served sweet tea here, though. Hopefully it’s only a matter of time.

 

Another cool thing to do if you’re looking for something different is to hang out at the Hungry Bear while a showing of Fantasmic! is going on. Sit or stand on the upper deck, near the water. Because of the unique view of the Rivers of America, you can see the floats go by after passing the main show area and witness some of the backstage magic. If you’ve already seen Fantasmic! traditionally and don’t feel like waiting with the crowds, you can get a completely new experience watching this way. We saw cast/crew members change the jungle floats to princess ones, as well as the characters getting on and off the barges. We also got to see some of the smaller vehicles (Flotsam, Jetsam, Tic Toc Croc) up close. It was strange to not see everything lit up (which is why I didn’t get very good photos), but it was entertaining and interesting – especially to “theater people” like us. Worth a try if you’d like to try something new.

 

Something special I enjoy about the Hungry Bear is that it’s what Disneylanders have left of the ol’ Country Bear Jamboree. Seeing the references to the old show throughout the restaurant makes me happy. And wistful. And also happy.

Happy Disney Things

I know I said yesterday that I’d write about seeing Alice comedies at the Paramount today, but I want to spend more time than I have right now writing that post! So, another day. In fact, today has turned in to a pretty rough one, so I think for tonight I’ll just post some Disney Things that make me happy.

 

 

 

Okay, that's enough. Night night, xoxo

 

The Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet

Oh my goodness, there's half an hour left in the day and I still have lots to do! Oh weekend, why must you only be two days long. Sigh.

I've had such a busy Disney day! Went to Seattle to see some of Walt's original "Alice" comedies - complete with Wurlitzer accompaniment - it was so much fun, but I'll write about that another time, soon! (Probably tomorrow.)

What I want to talk about now is the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet! <--Click to go to their page - full of awesome, helpful info.
I heard about the PNWMM in 2010 through my favorite Disney podcast Mousetalgia. They mentioned it a few times and since they were going to be there (they have since become a sponsor), I figured I'd give it a try. It was only the Mouse Meet's second year, but it was fantastic! Truly the most Disney fun I've had outside the resorts - I've attended every year since. They have cool raffles, fun presentations, and troves of information, as well as the opportunity to meet and listen to Disney Legends like Bob Gurr, Jack Lindquist, Tony Baxter, Marty Sklar, Paige O'Hara, and many more. You can buy a REAL LIFE DOLE WHIP. The theming is always so detailed and heartfelt, and the hosts are smart and funny! So many cute Disney "in" jokes are included every year. Here's their intro video from 2012 - skip to 1:25 for their Soarin' parody!

 

If you're from around here, or even if you aren't, you should consider attending - they always sell out though, and tickets have already gone on sale for this year! The date to save is Saturday, June 29th, and it's the PNWMM's 5th year! Happy Anniversary, guys! Don Morin, Beci Mahnken and the entire PNWMM gang are so nice and approachable, and the other Disney fans (and podcasters) are some of the best. I've already bought my ticket for this year and I can't wait! Hope to see you there.

from the 2012 PNWMM - me with Marty Sklar (top left) and Tony Baxter (bottom right), plus one of the supercute displays!

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the AMAZING prizes! Since MouseFan Travel is a sponsor, each year they've given away some cool Disney vacations - and my sister was lucky enough in 2010 to WIN one! My favorite trip EVER. What a GREAT first Mouse Meet for us, haha!

 

I'm still saying THANK YOU, PNWMM!! See ya real soon!

 

White Water Snacks - a love letter.

All right, here is the blog for today, and it’s really more of a love letter.



There you are. Hey, you.

I don’t know why my best friend (also Erin) and I were determined to go to White Water Snacks on our first visit (together) to the DLR, years ago. I think we had heard through the internet grapevine that it wasn’t too crowded and had tasty food, particularly the nachos. But try it we did, and it was the beginning of a romance that continues today.



please enjoy our brightly-colored eyeshadows.

Probably the only time I’ve ever EVER beaten Erin at this. Huh.

 

White Water Snacks is one of the restaurants located in the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa – it’s just down the way from the Napa Rose and Storytellers Café. It’s the smaller and least formal of the three. Some of it is self-serve, cafeteria-style eating; you get your own drinks, treats, snacks and deli-type items, then order the made-to-order items and pay at the register. They have indoor and outdoor seating, at least one electrical outlet for charging purposes (see my earlier post!), a well-priced variety of food, and a pleasant atmosphere.

 

photo from disneyfoodblog

photo from disneyexpedition.net

 

 

WWS is bliss. I don’t know anyone who has been there that doesn’t absolutely love it.

It’s quiet there. It’s a nice quiet walk through the Grand Californian, and the music is calming; a nice change of pace after the frenetic energy of the parks and Downtown Disney. The outdoor seating is near the pool, so the sound of water also contributes to the soothing atmosphere. It’s nice and cool in the summer (outdoor seating has plenty of shade), and cozy in the winter. I’ve never had trouble finding a seat.

Our favorite items on the menu include the nachos (of course!), the burger (with a grilled chili on it, YUM), and the breakfast sandwich. The food is tasty – I’ve never had anything there I didn’t enjoy, and we’ve always left full and satisfied. I never felt like I was paying too much for what I got. I have purchased more sweet iced teas there than anywhere else at the DLR. I’ve gotten some refills, too, which is probably not something I was supposed to do, but they were okay with it – at the time. I take no responsibility if you try this and get told.





HUGE breakfast sandwich – served with fruit for $6.99

Here’s a link to the WWS Menu, thanks to allears.net

I guess it’s kind of an “insider tip” to know about it, because not a lot of people do…? Not sure, but I’d recommend it to anyone! The DLR site only has a short blurb about this "family quick-service eatery” and it’s “American” fare, but to me it’s become so much more than that! This is true love. White Water Snacks, my oasis of the Disneyland Resort. Do you miss me like I miss you right now? Sigh.

Food Friday - Bengal Barbecue at home!

Blog like the wind, Erin!

So, Food Friday! Figured I'd share something parks-inspired (well, copied!) I made last weekend - the Safari Skewer from the Bengal Barbecue in Adventureland.

It always has a longish line! (worth it.)

If you're not familiar, Bengal Barbecue is a counter service restaurant (really more of a snacky type place) featuring food on skewers, cooked on the grill. I've had a chicken skewer from there before, but on my most recent trip I got the Safari Skewer, which is basically bacon-wrapped asparagus with lime. It was so good! A perfect pre-parade snack on Dapper Day.

It's not rocket science, but the prep work takes some patience. I cut the asparagus in to pieces, then cut the bacon in to long enouch pieces for wrapping. I'd wrap and skewer, wrap and skewer, until they were all gone.
I cooked these on the griddle pan, stovetop-style. I'm sure you can use whatever grilling device you have handy. You just have to watch until the bacon looks done. Squeeze some lime juice on it and you're finished.
This got rave reviews, from people who've never had the real thing. To me it tasted exactly the same! YUM. Now I'll probably never buy the Safari Skewer again, since I can so easily make it home, haha.

Have a tasty weekend!

More elusive and desired than the Hidden Mickey – the Hidden Electrical Outlet!

I’m home sick today, which is pretty much The Worst, but the blogging continues! Figured I’d choose something simple and informative – charging your phone at the DLR!

(Disclaimer – there are tons of options out there, but this is what has worked for me. Also I didn’t take pictures because I’m new to blogging like this and am an all-around terrible person.)

On my recent solo trip, I knew I’d be using my phone a LOT for pictures, the Lines app (more on that another day!), and texting; since I was by myself I just didn’t want to turn off my phone for long stretches the way I do when I’m with other people. We’re all using our phones more – I know it’s the best camera that I have, and for reals, my Twitter is important to me. What. First thing I did was buy a tiny mophie Juice Pack Reserve – it comes on a little keychain and is cheaper than the other versions. I could just carry it around in my purse and charge my phone during meals or while waiting in line. The downside is that it doesn’t fully recharge your phone, but it gave me about 20-30 percent, which is all I need some days. You can buy bigger and better devices that will bring you back to 100%, but at $35 the mini was what I could afford. I was dumb and didn’t bring two plugs/cords, so it wasn’t often that I was able to get my Reserve up to 100% (I’d charge my phone overnight and plug in the Juice Pack the next morning while I was getting ready – not nearly enough time), but whatever. Live and learn. Next time.

 

Something else I did was just find an outlet and plug in my phone, haha. I know there are some outlets in the parks (my Aunt Kim found one outside Taste Pilot’s Grill in DCA), but none really stood out to me, and hotel living is more my style. My friend Delane showed me an outlet in a smoking area in the Grand Californian – it’s on the way to the restaurants, outside facing the pool there are some benches, and outlets are located right behind the seats so you can sit and charge. I’m not a smoker, but it’s a spacious area, so anyone that did come to smoke sat on the other bench and I wasn’t at all bothered. It’s a nice quiet area to sit for a while. Calm music, you know. Grand Californian Things.

Another place I charged up (again at the Grand Californian) was at White Water Snacks, one of my VERY favorite places to eat (again, more on that another time)! If you can get the table near the doors (the ones that lead to the outside seating by the pool) there’s an outlet right there in plain view. I got some breakfast (okay, brunch) on my last day and just charged (and Facebook'd) while I ate. What.

Really, the Grand Californian has electrical outlets everywhere, if you’re ballsy enough to just sit down in a chair, plug in and dare anyone to stop you. I’ve never tried, but if you look they’re all up and down the hallways (near the comfy chairs) on the way to and from DCA and Downtown Disney. They have a few in their “business center” area too (with all the payphones) that I DID use…but I don’t really think I was supposed to be there at the time. Oh well. Sorry, Disney.

Something I haven’t tried but is a great (and smart) idea by Disney are the charging lockers on Main Street, USA. They’re in the same facility as the regular lockers – for $2 an hour you can just plug in your phone and come back later. If you’re just charging your phone, you don’t even need to bring your own cord (they have “standard” outlet lockers for other devices)! Yayyy convenience. Will I ever use these? Ehh…it’s hard for me to pay for something like a locker. Seriously, sometimes I've gone cold at night because I refuse to carry a jacket around all day and IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE CALIFORNIA, DAGNABBIT. But really I think I just need to get over it and realize that time is money. Do I want to sit down and do nothing while I wait for my phone to charge, or use that time to maybe eat a meal or experience an attraction? Or get cold at night because I don't want to get a dumb locker? I guess it just depends on how much time/money you have on your visit.

Before my trip I searched for a recent list of tips for charging your phone, but couldn’t find anything “recent” enough for me – a lot of the lists had been started years ago, and with all the new changes to the parks I wanted something more current. Any tips to share about phone charging? Please share!

Gots to keep my phone charged so I can take supercool pictures -- like this series of me riding Splash Mountain by myself.

 

Another short post, but full of truth

So, we've all seen this Ariel in the Main Street Emporium window, right? She's suuuuper creepy, yeah? What makes it worse is she rocks back and forth. All day. Every day.

I always try to get a picture or video of her, because we love her and her creepy self.