Five days till’ Christmas! Can ya even wrap your noggin’ around it?! We leave this evening to go back to OH, and I have two more posts to whip up before then. Thankfully I am all packed, so now is devoted to time to write! My favorite 🙂
After Epcot, we walked back to our hotel (only about a half-mile away) and soaked up the gorgeous golden sunset on our way.
We passed through the boardwalk on our way back. This boardwalk had a fun, relaxing, carnival inspired vibe. And it’s way cleaner and nicer than typical touristy boardwalks.
Since DJ and I arrived to Disney later than everyone else, we didn’t have the chance to ride the Tower of Terror with them earlier in the week. Luckily, we had a bit of time before dinner, so we decided to go to Hollywood Studios to ride the legendary ride!
I LOVED Tower of Terror. That and Avatar were my two favorites. Now I finally understand what the hype is all about!
We decided to eat on the Boardwalk at Big River Grille. My picture didn’t come out great since it was dimly lit, but I had a salmon salad. I was craving some greens after all the sugar and carbs that day, and that hit the spot. We ate outside, and although it was a chilly evening, the space heaters definitely helped keep us toasty.
We even witnessed a beautiful fireworks display.
We all went back to the hotel and watched The Office for a bit. I couldn’t keep my eyes open; insomnia didn’t have a chance to set in that night! On Saturday December 8th I woke up feeling refreshed & ready to go. I woke up early to run and study, and then we all met up to go to Magic Kingdom.
I know I keep saying it, but I just loved all the Christmas decor.
Cinderella’s castle!!
First ride: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. This was a fun little coaster for sure!
And now… for another favorite- Splash Mountain!!!
This picture below cracks me up every. single. time.
After this we headed over to the Haunted Mansion ride.
On the way we saw the big parade!
*cue the spooky sounds- ooooOOoooOoooOOOooo*
It was, again, a very immersive ride. I cannot get over the design & creativity of everything in Disney.
For lunch we went to Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe. Below pictured is the loaded fries- they had flaming hot cheetos on top! YUM!
They even had a vegan sloppy joe. Score.
We tried to ride Space Mountain, but it was shut down for the day. Always need an excuse to go back 😉
We perused the park a bit more before heading back.
Here are more shots we grabbed from around the resort on our way back…
There is an endless amount of activities for all ages.
DJ and I decided to squeeze in a game of mini golf across the street before dinner. We hadn’t been in ages!
SO much fun. I forgot how much I loved this game. DJ only won by only a hair!
For one last hurrah, we had dinner at the spectacular restaurant, Il Mulino located in the Swan hotel (sister of the Dolphin where we stayed). OH.my.goodness. Easily the best Italian restaurant I’ve ever been to!
They started us with a little complimentary appetizer that had salami on one side and eggplant antipasto on the other. The eggplant- sooo tasty.
The bread had several options, and I opted for the pizza bread. I could have ate five slices for my meal alone. I savored every little nibble.
Two orders of meatballs for the table!
The caprese almost looked like mouse ears! I don’t know if they did that on purpose, but an excellent presentation nonetheless. It sure was refreshing!
I have been wanting to try truffle oil pasta for a while now. Sometimes I will go down truffle pasta rabbit holes on Instagram. I found a few places in SF that have it, so I said for my birthday I would like to go to one of the to try it. However, when I saw Rigatoni con Funghi with truffle oil on the menu, I didn’t hesitate in deciding what to order! And it lived up to, if not surpassed, my expectations! Now I have to find a new food to stalk 😉
The Deej ordered the tortellini alla panna with meat tortellini and peas in a cream sauce. So good! I definitely had a bite (or two).
Dessert though… WOW was this ever next level tastebud explosions. We split the cheesecake, tiramisu, and flourless chocolate cake. I don’t think I could choose a favorite…. it was all actual perfection.
Final group photo for the trip <3 This was truly an unforgettably magical week.
Question for you:
- What is an item on your food bucket list?
xo <3
Very nice photos–thank you for sharing!
Thank you for stopping by!!
I’m sure you now know that you do not go to Disney to lose weight. While you walk A LOT the food is so yummy and worth the calories. holiday time in the Disney parks is the best
Lol!!! Totally! And I agree- the Christmas season was just as magical as could be there
How fun! It’s been a while since I have been to Disney!
I want to eat real New Orleans creole yumminess! I will get to very soon!
Have fun in OHIO!
Ohhh New Orleans food is too darn good ! When are you going?! Thank you, Nancy! ❤️
Late January! Looking forward to it!
Ahh that’s so exciting!!!! ENJOY!
Hmmm I must admit I never thought about a food bucket list 🙂 that’s a good idea! Does it count if I’ve already tried it? because I’d be tempted to say that I can’t wait to taste my next Danish hot dog… They are just my absolute favorite Junk food ever!! 🙂
Heck yeah it can count! Oh YUM! I don’t know if I knew Danish hot dogs even existed- then again it sounds vaguely familiar- hmmmm did you get one on your last trip there?! Maybe that’s where I know it from! If we ever go I’ll make sure to get one- DJ would LOVE that, and of course I’d have to try at least a bite 😉 Have a very merry Christmas my dear friend! <3
Thank you 🙂 I hope you had a magic Christmas, dear Mackenzie!
Regarding the Danish dogs, you’d be able to enjoy them too, because they have a vegetarian version, and I heard that it was very yummy too! I stick with the meaty ones, and it is the first thing I do everytime I visit Denmark… The little stands can be found pretty much everywhere in Copenhagen, not hard to find at all 🙂
Do you have any celebration scheduled for New Year’s Eve?
*Big hugs*
Hi Hi!! We just came home last night/ this morning (3 am) from traveling and I just sat down to relax! Seeing this comment put the biggest smile on my face… and ya know what else did? Hearing that there are vegetarian dogs! WHAT! OKAY… gonna have to sneak over to Orbitz and see how expensive them flights are to Denmark right now 😉 they sound so darn yummy. THAT is at the top of my foodie bucket list now!
DJ and I are actually taking it pretty easy this year- we are going to cook at home.. I am thinking of trying to make souffles from scratch- maybe one savory and one sweet for dessert 🙂 How about you, Cyra?! xo
If you are looking for good deals and are not too picky when it comes to extras, check out Wow Air’s prices… they fly to California now, and I only had good experiences with their flying crews 🙂
The souffles sound like a great idea 🙂 I never tried to make them, but I am sure you’ll nail them! Please post pictures if you try them out!
I made my yearly risalamande for Christmas, and I have no big plans for New Year’s Eve, because I work until midnight. So it will mostly be just a glass of bubbles when I get home 😛 But soon, I have to try to make my first home pasta. My mom bought me a whole semi-professional pasta making kit for Christmas, and I can’t wait to try it! I’ll most probably post about it when I give it a go 🙂
*Big hugs* Gorgeous xx
Oh that is SOOO helpful!! I have never heard of Wow Air, but I also don’t know much about international travel to begin with, so I’ll definitely be looking into it!
I will absolutely let you know with the souffles 🙂 I was just researching recipes- eek! I am so excited!
A glass of bubbles will top off the night so perfectly!! I hope work goes well & pain free all around for you 🙂 When I had to work nearly all holidays last year I actually had some of my favorite shifts.
WHAT!— that homemade pasta kit sounds incredible!!! I can’t wait to hear how it goes 🙂
Have a great New Year, Cyra! Big big hugs! xox
And a most fabulous New Year to you to, Gorgeous 🙂 Don’t change the least bit, you are a blessing to have around! (though from so many miles away) I wish you, DJ and your loved ones health and happiness throughout 2019 🙂
*Big big hugs back*
Awww! Oh my gosh, exact same to you, Cyra <3 <3
🙂
Thank you, Sunshine Gal 🙂 xx
WOW some absolutely stunning photos! how cool they have vegan sloppy joe & those loaded fries look amazing 💛
thank you so very much, girl!! xo
You sure made the rounds on this trip! Hard to pick a favorite anything – the skies were blue and those Mickey mouse ears are awesome. Glad you had such a wonderful trip and hope you make some more memories back in Ohio this weekend as well.
Aww thank you 🙂 The Mickey ears were mighty fun- I think you suggested them?! So glad I found some!
Yes, I had suggested the Mickey ears – thought they would make a fun photo and remembrance for you both. 🙂
It was the most wonderful suggestion 🙂 Thank you for that- I definitely had them on my radar and were so excited to find them! <3
Thank you for the pictures of you two!!!
Aw, thanks for stopping in, AJ! Have a very Merry Christmas 🙂
You too!!!! Can’t wait to read all about it:)
🙂 <3
Your Mickey Ears are so cute!!
I swear you could be given a pile of garbage on a plate and make it look appetizing. Your food pictures are the best haha.
One food on my bucket list is homemade pasta. That probably sounds lame but 1) I’m not very adventurous and 2) I mostly mean trying to make pasta myself.
Thank ya!! I had my little list of “must dos” in Disney and #1 was get Mickey ears and #2 was eat absolutely as much as possible haha.
Oh my goshhhhhh that may be the sweetest thing anyone has ever said, thank youu! I’m really glad you like these foodie shots 🙂
OKAY….. that is not lame at all! So this is kinda ironic- DJ’s sister messaged a picture last night of their homemade pasta, and I said we have got to try that asap. It looked so good! I bet it tastes just phenomenal!
I feel like homemade pasta would taste delicious! It’s just something I never think ahead enough to make.
Totally!!! I have been wanting to try a truffle oil pasta for foreverrrr, but never once did I think about trying to make it myself. Maybe it’s a good thing I don’t know how yet because I’d probably live on the stuff, ha. Definitely trying it out soon though!
Truffle oil pasta sounds amazing!
It’s crazy delicious! And seems pretty easy to make- just gotta toss the pasta in truffle oil- right? haha.
I feel like that’s almost too easy but it would be amazing if it was that easy!
Totally! I watched through a video on youtube, and it seems like it has a lot to do with the way you knead the dough & then letting it set. actually a bit more involved than I anticipated, but also not too bad (just time consuming). I am so excited to try this out!
I think you’ll kill it! I have total faith in you
Thank you! I’ll definitely let you know how it goes when I take the pasta plunge!
🙂
I love all of your pictures!!!
Aww thank you, love! MERRY CHRISTMAS! xo
Your pasta looks amaze! I’m gonna say that’s on my bucket list for sure!!
Oh my goodness, what an epic trip! I definitely hope to one day head to Disney over Christmas. Hope you’re having the best run up to the big day xxxx
Hey, girl!! Thank you for stopping by 🙂 It was an unforgettable trip for sure. Hope you have the best Christmas tomorrow, love! XO
You are so cute in the Minnie ears. I wish DJ had on the Mickey ones though hahaha. All of the food at the Italian restaurant looks out of this world!! ♡ Those souffle pancakes you posted are at the top of my food bucket list!! Thanks for sharing all these lovely photos & your experience with us, Mackenzie!!
Thanks, girl 🙂 AH dang, I didn’t even think of that– then again I have a feeling I’d have a hard time convincing him to put them on. lol.
YESS souffle pancakes are the GOAT. Thanks for sharing in our little slice of life with us too 🙂 XO
Love the photos of the sky! Those clouds are so beautiful. <3
So fun playing Putt Putt! The last time D and I played I may or may not have had a mini meltdown because I was SO bad. ha I'm terrible with my 'tude sometimes if I'm struggling hardcore doing something competitive. Charming quality huh? lolz
That final meal looks like it was the perfect icing on the cake to a wonderful vacay!
Christmas time at Disney is always so much fun. This definitely makes me want to go back. I’m so glad that you all had an amazing time!! xx
It really is just so magical!! Thanks for following along our adventure 🙂 It means a lot that you would take time out of your busy schedule to pop in!
Love Disney and your photos are awesome 🙂
Thank you so much for stopping by! Isn’t Disney so magical? Happy New Year!
I would love to go to Disney at Christmas time! I love how Tower of Terror was lit up! Boo about Space Mountain being closed! Your Italian food loves marvelous- Disney has some cookbooks for some of their restaurants and it would be awesome to recreate them!
Hey, Shan! Thanks for stopping in, girl 🙂 It was a very fun time. The italian restaurant I think was the best I’ve ever had.
Ohhhh I did not know they had cookbooks! Thank you so much for telling me!
I dont know if my stomach could handle tower of terror Mackenzie! Love the fireworks. Magic kingdom must have been magical for you! Splash mountain looks like fun but not judging on these faces! OOOH haunted mansion! I love you got a photo in front of the iconic Castle , cute one of you both. And look at you Minnie Mackenzie , love it!! All the Italian food looks so so good! A nice way to finish the family trip and all the memories you will have of it , and saved in blog form! Thanks for the tour Lady, happy new year, Terri xo.
Hehe- it does have quite the drop!
LOL- splash mountain was a blast, but pretty intense for a water ride for sure!
Thank you for sharing in our fun trip with us 🙂 It was an unforgettable one for sure! xo
It was fun to share your trip , thank you Dear, Terri xo.
Thank youuuuu! xo
Well, damn. She really looked directly at the camera. “Try me, I dare ya.” I’m telling you, she’s definitely holding that guy on the left hostage. 😂
Cinderella’s Castle has to be my fave. 😍 And rigatoni con funghi with truffle oil? Yes, please! Truffle oil on pasta is always delicious. And you look so adorable in the Minnie Mouse headband!
hahahahahhahaha. I am laughing so hard right now- that’s my sister in law and my husband, I just read this comment out loud to him & I’m seriously about to pee myself. So funny. You just made my night.
Truffle oil + Pasta is the ULTIMATE combo (right next to truffle oil & fries, of course 😉 ). Thanks for all your sweet comments, girl!!!
What a nice little wrap up! The boardwalk is so nice and clean like you said. I can totally see that through the photos. And you’re right. The xmas decor looks stunning!! They truly know how to make a place look magical.
You look so cute in those minnie ears! And mini golf is so fun! We missed out on it earlier this month when we went to the city for a date night. It was all full. Hopefully we get to go soon.
Thanks for sharing your trip with us, it looks so fun so I’ll be living it through you for the time being because I cant afford it Haha
And all those desserts look mouth watering!!!!!!!!! Especially that tiramisu, one of my favorite desserts of all time.
Magical is the perfect way to describe every bit of the trip!
Aww hope you get to mini golf soon! It’s something I don’t usually go out of my way to do- but DJ loves it, and will recommend it. Once I’m there I don’t know why we don’t do it more often- it’s so much fun!
aw I’m so glad you enjoyed! And you know, Disney is awesome, but you have so many amazing things right in Portland for the time being until you can go, ya know?!
Tiramisu is a dream, isn’t it ?! Mmmm mmmm!