So, I'm a preschool teacher, did I mention that? Anyway here's something I did but didn't realize I did - one of our projects this week was to make a handprint flower garden; I thought it would look cute on the wall for spring. I'm tired of winter! So I'm putting it up and had a few extra stems, so I created some flowers to go along with the rest.
crafty crafty
I chose the circle shape just because 1) it was easy, and 2) because I like making flowers that look like that - simple, bright, not really real. It wasn't until the next day (today) that I realized where I may have (unconsciously) drawn some inspiration!
Splash Mountain flowers!
Specifically these flowers. I notice them every time! So cute.
Oh, the Disney Things! Now when I look at the wall, my day is doubly brightened!
Splash Mountain LOVE. Have a zip-a-dee-doo-dah day!
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.
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
