June 2011
Food is a huge part of my Disney experience and I believe this is true for many visitors. I would never commit Disney heresy and suggest that Walt Disney World could become mundane but after a certain number (yet to be determined) of trips, returning Disney-goers have experienced most of the rides and shows. The reality is there are only so many attractions. Not so with the food. There are endless combinations of restaurants, entrees, and snack.
The meals are large and combined with the Florida heat, I don’t typically snack all that much during the day at Walt Disney World, much to my regret. On my last trip, I made it my personal mission to try to rectify this sad situation and sample different Disney fan favorites.
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Much like accountants have their busy season, my busy season as a Walt Disney World travel guide author is late spring throughout the summer. With a target date of October 1st for the next year’s version to be available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble, my book must be complete and in the hands of the publisher by September 1st.
Last time I shared my process for research and writing new sections of the book. Once I’ve completed my fact-checking, it is time to read and re-read the entire book and revise areas as needed. When I have a complete draft, I send the book to my editor who works her magic and poses insightful questions. At the same time, I rely on the generosity of some very knowledgeable members of the Disney community who perform peer reviews on the book. This is critical as they look at the book from their own Disney perspective and share ideas on information that should be added or even removed. This is where I currently am in the making of Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers (2011).
It’s time to breathe for a couple of weeks while I wait for feedback. After I receive and integrate editorial changes, I start the detail work.
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It is summer in Florida and that can only mean two things –heat and humidity which, when combined, can make you feel like you’re melting. Lots of cool drinks, plenty of breaks, a Dole Whip or two, and a spray fan can make you feel more comfortable but don’t forget the sweater. That’s right, even on the hottest days in Florida, throw a lightweight sweater into your theme park bag, especially for the kids.
The blast of cold air when you walk into a Disney World restaurant is a welcome relief from the sweltering temperatures outside but give it twenty minutes or so. You just may be chilly after such a drastic fluctuation in air temperature from the Florida heat to the well air-conditioned restaurant.
On our toddler’s first trip, I dropped more than a few bucks in resort gift shops purchasing sweatshirts during dinner for my shivering two-year old (you would have thought I would have learned after the first time and brought it with us the rest of the trip, right?)
The lesson I learned is that it’s never too hot out to be cool.
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