This just in... Santa's flight plan revealed!

 

The investigators here at DisneyDaddy have discovered some evidence to support how Santa manages to deliver all those presents to good children around the world.  We found this FAA flight plan for Santa's annual global trek on display at the Swan and Dolphin Resort at Walt Disney World.  As you can see, Santa's flight plan takes a winding course around the globe, mostly moving from east to west.

Incidentally, I have read before that Santa has special FAA clearance that was approved personally by the President.  This is according to former President Bush. 

In any case -- the big guy is on his way!!!

Merry Christmas to you!!!

Tip Tuesday: The Garden Grove Seafood Sensation

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

This week, I wanted to share my thoughts about the Garden Grove restaurant at the Swan resort.  Located on the main floor, the Garden Grove is comprised mainly of a single circular dining room with a artificial tree in the center.  The decor is light and airy.  Situated around the edge of the circle are buffet stations featuring all sorts of options (dinner only).  During breakfast and lunch hours, the Garden Grove offers a fairly standard menu with traditional breakfast fare and common lunch items.

What makes the Garden Grove so different is that the menu changes greatly during the week when it comes to dinner.  Dinner is served buffet style and the offerings were fairly good.

Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays feature a southern barbecue buffet complete with barbecue chicken, ribs, North Carolina pulled pork, beans and more.

Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays feature a Mediterranean menu with pastas, baked fish, sausage and pepper, Beef Bourguignon and more.

For these two menus, adult price is (as of this writing) $29.99 each, kids $13.99.

Fridays, though, appear to be the most popular day of the week.  That's because Fridays mean the it's time for the seafood sensation menu.  My family was able to get an ADR for this Friday buffet, so I will share my thoughts.

First, this buffet is fairy large with snow crab legs, scallops, seafood paella, carving station and more.  If that wasn't enough, each table gets a huge bucket of fried shrimp and calamari.  But wait, there's more.  Each adult gets one half stuffed lobster (yes, half of a whole lobster -- tail, claw and all).  Now the lobsters aren't huge, but it's included in the price ($35.99 for adults, $14.99 for kids).  If a child wants a half stuffed lobster, it will cost an additional $10 per child.

There is so much food available here it's not even funny.  The lobsters may have been stuffed, but so was I.

While overall, I enjoyed the ambience of the restaurant, there were a few areas for improvement.

First, the service for the buffet areas was poor.  It took way too long to replenish many of the seafood offerings, especially the snow crab legs.  When they were finally replenished, they weren't as hot as I'd like.  They were cooked fine, but it appeared that they weren't brought straight out.

Second, the carving station attendant was missing often.  Too many times I was hoping to get a cut of beef or turkey and no one was there.

It very well could be that I happened to dine on an off night.  I'm not sure if these issues are consistent or I just happened to catch a bad day.

These two issues aside, the Garden Grove seafood sensation is a fine alternative to the Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club.  While I still prefer Cape May, it can be difficult to get an ADR there, whereas you might be able to get away with a walkup at the Garden Grove, depending on your time.

Just one more reason why you should keep the Swan and Dolphin in mind when you make your dining plans.

Tip Tuesday: The BEST Burger in the World

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

I've often heard various discussions about where the best burger in Walt Disney World can be found.  I've often wondered where I might find that delectable delight that is an outstanding burger.

It's time I entered this debate and render my own opinion about the best burger in Walt Disney World.

Since the Olympics are taking place in London -- let's grant some medals here.

Bronze Medal (tie):  Pecos Bills and Beaches and Cream

 

Now I'm sure that already some of you are saying "WHAT?!?!?"  Pecos Bills doesn't take the Gold??? Others are saying the same thing about Beaches and Cream.  Hear me out.

I think Beaches and Cream (located at the Beach Club Resort) offers a better burger (pictured above), but Pecos Bills (located in Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom) has, by far, the best options for toppings -- especially the sautéd mushrooms and onions.  Both burgers are cooked to perfection - nice and juicy.  Taken together, they tie for third place.  I will give a side award to Pecos Bills -- best burger in the Magic Kingdom.

Silver Medal:  Rose and Crown

But the best burger in any theme park goes to an Epcot restaurant.  The royal burger at the Rose and Crown Pub in Epcot's United Kingdom Pavilion is topped with bacon, cheese and fried onions.   This burger is huge.  The fried pickle on the side adds just that extra bit of fried goodness.  The English chips (fries to us yanks) help this burger make it to the podium at the silver medal position.  It's a bit pricey, but it is exceptionally good.

Gold Medal:  The Fountain

Taking the Gold is the Fountain Burger at the Fountain at the Dolphin Resort.  If the Rose and Crown burger is huge, this burger is gigantic!  Topped with everything you can think of including chili, sautéed onions, mushrooms, mounds of bacon and more, this burger really is make for two.  It's that big.  The chips on the side are an afterthought -- there's so much burger to eat.  Add one of the Fountain's legendary shakes and you're in heaven.

So there you go -- the 2012 Best Burger Champion goes to the Fountain.  What do you think?  Where's your best burger?  Post a comment!

Swan & Dolphin offer special Labor Day rate

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is rewarding laborers across the country with an affordable getaway to one of the world's favorite family destinations. In tribute to the U.S. workforce this Labor Day, and in honor of the ninth month in 2009, they are offering a $99 per night rate September 1, 2009 through September 9, 2009 (09/09/09).

To honor their own loyal laborers, they are also awarding complimentary stays and dinners for nine lucky cast members and their families. All cast members who have worked at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort for at least one year will be eligible to enter a Labor Day raffle.

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort offers the ideal escape from the day-to-day stresses of work. The resort is conveniently located within walking distance to Epcot(R) and Disney's Hollywood Studios((TM)), and is nearby Disney's Animal Kingdom(R) Theme Park and Magic Kingdom(R) Park.

Visitors can indulge in meals at the resort's 17 restaurants and lounges, including Todd English's bluezoo and Shula's Steak House; be pampered at the luxurious Mandara Spa; stay active with nearby championship golf, tennis and mini golf and enjoy special Disney benefits which include complimentary transportation to Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Attractions and early or extended park hours with the Extra Magic Hours benefit.

Guests can reserve the "$99 in 09" Labor Day deal by calling 1-800-227-1500.

Offer is valid Sept. 1 - 9, 2009; requires a minimum three-night stay and is subject to rate plan availability.

Tip Tuesday: One of the REAL best kept secrets at Disney

I hope each of you had a fun Easter and didn't eat too much chocolate last Sunday.

It's time for another Tip Tuesday, and this week I thought I'd share a REAL best kept secret at Walt Disney World. No, I'm not talking about the Disney Vacation Club, which has been using the tag line, "Disney's Best Kept Secret" for several years (and spawning the parody line as Disney's worst kept secret since they push DVC so much - don't get me wrong, I'd love to be a DVC member if I could find $20,000 in spare change).

No, I'm talking about a pair of somewhat overlooked resorts at Walt Disney World -- the Swan and the Dolphin.

They are located right next to Disney's Yacht and Beach Club resorts and offer excellent proximity to both Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Best of all, some guests can qualify for significant discounts that Disney doesn't offer at it's own resorts, while enjoying many of the same perks at guests at other Disney resorts (including Extra Magic Hours).

Disney rarely offers major discounts for certain parts of our society (like nurses and teachers). Disney does (sort of) offer big savings for members of the military through the Shades of Green Resort.

The Swan and Dolphin offer huge savings to these groups (teachers, nurses and military) as well as Florida residents.

For instance, the educator savings is incredible. Teachers (and education support staff) could stay at the Swan or Dolphin for as low as $129 a night (and a second room for as low as $99 a night). That's cheaper than a Disney moderate resort during value season! Rooms at this rate are limited.

This same rate is available for nurses and military members. For those in the military, though, the Swan and Dolphin sweeten the deal: how about discounts off food at Swan and Dolphin restaurants (including Shula's)! You could save up to 50% (depending on the restaurant).

Florida residents can stay for as low as $149 a night (and the $99 a night second room offer).

There are a few downsides to staying at the Swan and Dolphin. First, you are not eligible to purchase the Disney Dining Plan, which is unfortunate as I am a big fan of the Dining Plan. Second, the Swan and Dolphin are not part of Disney's Magical Express service, so if you're flying into Orlando International Airport, you will have to arrange alternate transportation.

All-in-all, this is a great way to spend some time at Walt Disney World without breaking the bank. Essentially, you get a deluxe resort for a moderate (or value) price, if you qualify for the discounts.

Next time you're planning a Disney trip, give the Swan and Dolphin a thought - especially if you can lock in one of those great rate discounts!

(EDIT: Links added 4/16/09)