Lunch at Coral Reef

Ean and I like to try one pricier restaurant each time we visit Disney World. When we went a few months ago in May, we decided to try Coral Reef. I had been there once before with my family when I was younger and remember really enjoying it, so we were looking forward to this!

We had reservations so we got in really quickly. We waited maybe 10 minutes or less for them to get our table ready. Our server actually had the same name as me, but he spelled it differently. I don't remember exactly where he was from, but it was somewhere in the Middle East. He was super friendly, though!

We could look for these fish while waiting for our food!

When ordering drinks, I asked for a sweet tea and (*gasp!!*) they don't have that. So our wonderful server suggested I get the pomegranate lemonade, which was even better than sweet tea. I LOVE pomegranate, and I didn't know they had that as an option, so it's like our server read my mind and knew I'd enjoy that beverage. I was very pleased.

For an appetizer, we got Creamy Crab Dip for Two. It was one of the pricier appetizers at $13.99, but we both like crab dip, and this one did not disappoint. Since I grew up not liking fish, trying new fish options is always a little scary for me. I enjoy crab dip at several places we have here in Knoxville, so I wasn't too worried. However, there have been times where I haven't particularly cared for crab, so it could have gone either way.

For my entree, I got Marinated Grilled Vegetables and Vegetarian Chick'n Breast, and Ean got Baked Cheese Manicotti. Coral Reef is listed as a $$ ($15 to $29.99 per adult) restaurant.  Everything is definitely more on the $29.99 side of that dollar sign. It wasn't very cheap. Typically vegetarian meals are cheaper, and mine was. It was $19.99. Ean's entree was $29.99 because it comes with lobster! I thought that was interesting that the main part of the dish was the manicotti and not the lobster. You would think that it would be called Griddled Lobster Tail with Baked Manicotti, instead of the other way around... oh well. Was the food worth as much as it cost? Probably not. However, it was still very delicious.

Marinated Grilled Vegetables and Vegetarian Chick'n Breast

The marinade on my vegetables was incredible. It was kinda tangy and had a really good flavor. The vegetarian chick'n was very delicious, and kinda soaked up the delicious sauce that was on it. I had a bite of Ean's food and it was very tasty as well. The marinara sauce that was on top of the manicotti was unlike any marinara sauce I've ever tasted before. I thought it was incredible. The portions of both our meals was huge (probably why it cost so much). We could have gotten away with sharing for sure.

Baked Cheese Manicotti

We really enjoyed the aquarium view at Coral Reef. Unfortunately, our table wasn't right up next to the glass, but we were still able to see all the cool fish swimming around the tank. The overall atmosphere of the restaurant was very calming and relaxing, as you feel like you're just floating underwater. The reflection of the water was very soothing. I could have spent a lot of time in our booth, just relaxing.

Ean using the fish guide to spot some fish!

Coral Reef was definitely an expensive experience. We did enjoy every bit of it and had no complaints, except for how pricy everything was... but we are in Disney, so we didn't really expect anything different! This is a place we would like to revisit in the future. It probably isn't a place we would bring our kids (unless they were a little older) because I feel like the atmosphere is more mature and geared towards adults.

My Top 5 Disney Splurges That Are TOTALLY Worth It

There are a few things in Disney that you look at and wonder if it's worth the money or not. Many things, such as paying extra for those souvenir cups (that just sit and collect dust when you get home) or that delicious looking Starbucks Frappuccino (that you can get for like $2 cheaper at your local Starbucks) may not be worth spending your money on.

However, there are many Disney experiences, food options, and souvenirs that TOTALLY are.

Here are MY top 5 Disney splurges that are totally worth the extra buck.

#5: Character Dining

Me and Ean after getting engaged.

With prices up to $60 per adult at some of the restaurants, character dining can be a pricy splurge for sure. However, as a young couple in our 20's, we still absolutely love the experience. Our dream come true moment actually happened while meeting Minnie Mouse during a character breakfast at Chef Mickey! That place will forever hold a dear spot in our hearts. Not only do we love magical moments like that, but we definitely love the all-you-can-eat buffets, and getting to have that good interaction time with the characters. It's great to be able to see them without having to wait in line for an hour+!

#4: Cupcakes

A cookies and cream cupcake from Boardwalk Bakery

Cupcakes at Disney are huge, and about $5 each, which is kind of expensive for a cupcake if you ask me. However, getting a cupcake is not only worth the money, but it's worth the calories as well! Every single cupcake I've ever splurged on at Disney has been absolutely delicious. They're always moist and full of flavor. I crave the sugary goodness when I'm not there! You have to splurge on at least one cupcake each visit. It's good for the soul.

#3: Staying on Disney property

Disney's Pop Century Resory, 80's/90's area

Though it may be cheaper to stay offsite when vacationing in Disney, staying on Disney property has so many benefits. You get to hit up those Extra Magic Hours, you get free transportation (even though sometimes it is a PAIN, it is definitely worth it in the end), free wi-fi, early access to signing up for your FastPass+ experiences... just to name a few! You also get free parking if you decide to not use the Disney transportation system. In the long run, you'll end up saving money with all the free perks. Plus Disney offers some very decently priced resorts, like Pop Century, and the All-Star Resorts, and they offer pretty good discounts throughout the year.

#2: Memory Maker

A moment beautifully captured on our Memory Maker photopass

With just the ride photos costing about $15 each, getting the Memory Maker photo card saved us lots of money on our last trip. I visited twice without the Memory Maker and regretted it both times. I could only choose one ride photo to purchase and save, and we never stopped to get pictures made at any of the beautiful photo spots. Ean and I don't have good photos from our honeymoon because all we had were our phone cameras taking selfies the whole time. When we went this past May for Star Wars Weekends, we knew we'd be meeting lots of characters, and we knew we NEEDED to get GOOD photos, not just iPhone selfies. In our short three full days and one half day there, we got nearly 200 photos on that pass, all for just $169 (by purchasing the pass in advance, you save $30- price for the pass at the parks is $199!).

#1: Annual Passes

A trip well enjoyed because we are Annual Passholders

Though very expensive on the front end, annual passes to Disney can save tons of money in the end. If you are planning on visiting Disney World multiple times within one year, getting an annual pass could save you hundreds! I visited Disney World four times last year, and the passes paid for themselves by the second visit. Plus you get special perks like 10% merchandise, 10% off select dining, Passholder discounts on rooms, and early registration for marathons! Who wouldn't go for a deal like that!

Of course, these are just my top splurges. What are some of yours?

Disney Resorts Christmas Decorations Tour

Last December, on our honeymoon, Ean and I decided to tour as many of the resorts as possible to check out their Christmas decorations. We didn't hit EVERY resort, unfortunately, but the ones we did see did not disappoint!

Grand Floridian
Even though we stayed at Port Orleans Riverside this trip, our first stop was the Grand Floridian. We took a bus from Riverside to the Magic Kingdom, then hopped on the monorail straight for the Grand Floridian.

The Christmas tree there is HUGE. My iPhone 5 camera couldn't even capture a fraction of the beauty of any of the resorts' decorations, but unfortunately that's all I had with me.

Ean was overcome with emotion at the sight of this tree. He had never seen a Christmas tree so beautiful! A nice man came over and offered to take a picture of us with the tree since we were attempting to take a selfie in front of it, and were unable to get the tree in the photo with us since it was so huge.

The Grand Floridian also had a very cute and delicious looking gingerbread house next to the tree.

We spent a good hour at Grand Floridian before heading back to Riverside for the night (after driving 10 hours, we were exhausted!)

Port Orleans Riverside

The next morning, we stopped in the lobby of our resort to take some photos of the decorations before heading out for our day at Hollywood Studios.

I didn't get real good photos of the tree because we were in a hurry and I was quickly trying to snap the pic before some kids ran into my photo. I meant to go back and take better ones later, but never got around to it.

Fort Wilderness Lodge

After spending several hours in Hollywood Studios, we took a bus to the Fort Wilderness Lodge. I had never been to this resort before and was blown away at how huge and beautiful the lobby was. It reminded me a little bit of the Animal Kingdom Lodge, which I stayed at several years ago.

The balconies were all decorated up as well with wreaths and garland!

I loved the little details on the tree. It really honestly reminded me of being back home in the Smoky Mountains. I loved the cute teepee tents and woodland animal ornaments.

I thought the bridge was so adorable!!

After spending some time at the lodge, we took a bus back to Hollywood Studios to finish out the day with the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.

Beach Club

Day three of our Christmas honeymoon started off in Epcot touring the decorations around the World Showcase. We then walked over to the Beach Club resort to see what wonderful decorations they had there.

In their lobby, they also had a little gingerbread display. Theirs was a merry-go-round covered in chocolate-y goodness.

The tree at the Beach Club was more simple, as I think the gingerbread merry-go-round was their main focus. I loved the beachy theming of the tree, especially the cute little sea turtle ornament.

Yacht Club

We walked over to the Yacht Club from the Beach Club. Their tree was also more simple because they had a big train display set up. I remember a few years ago coming to Disney with my mom during Christmas time and we stayed at Yacht Club. We watched the train for a good long while because it is so intriguing! Ean and I didn't stay there quite as long, but we were mesmerized by the beauty of the display.

Boardwalk

And for our third resort of the day, we walked over to Boardwalk. We didn't go inside, so I don't know if they had anything set up in there, but outside in their little courtyard was a very beautifully decorated tree.

I loved how this one was decorated with the large balls and giant candy canes.

We had to go back to our hotel after spending a little more time in Epcot because we had the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party to get ready for!

Animal Kingdom Lodge

On our last full day of our trip, we spent the morning in Animal Kingdom before catching a bus over to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. We stayed here forever because we walked outside and just looked at the animals forever. I love the Animal Kingdom Lodge and would love to one day bring Ean back here and stay.

The tree in this one was also very huge and incredible. I loved the animal details!!

From the lodge, we caught a bus to the Magic Kingdom. From there we took the monorail to the Contemporary Resort. We did stop at the Polynesian Resort, but they had so much construction going on that we decided not to stay.

Contemporary Resort

At the Contemporary Resort we took some time to reminisce at Chef Mickey, as that's where we got engaged back in 2013!

We also stopped at the Contempo Cafe for a tasty Frozen inspired cupcake (I think it was chocolate peppermint flavored, or something like that).

The gingerbread display that the Contemporary Resort had was probably my favorite because it was Frozen!!

It was seriously SO CUTE.

During our short trip to Disney World last December, I'd say we knocked out a decent amount of resorts in our Christmas decorations resort tour. I'd love to see all the ones we missed. December is one of my absolute favorite times to visit Walt Disney World. We are trying to see if we can save up enough to go again this year so FINGERS CROSSED we can do that!!

The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort

Back in January, Ean and I, and our best friend Devon, all took a trip to Disney World and stayed on the campgrounds at Fort Wilderness. We stayed January 19-23 (Monday-Friday). We had a premium site and it wasn't expensive whatsoever. If I remember correctly, it was close to maybe $500 or $600 for 4 nights.

We were staying in tents while we were there. On our very first night there, it was raining. NOT the best weather for setting up tents... Overall though, the weather was quite nice. It was chilly most mornings, and even throughout some of the days. And the evenings were absolutely perfect. It was in the low 50's/upper 40's most nights. Perfect for snuggling up in a warm sleeping bag! I brought a little space heater for the mornings when I was getting ready in the tent and in the evenings when we were just chillin' on our phones and stuff.

Where our premium site was, we were within walking distance of the boat docks to Magic Kingdom. It was also within walking distance of the Hoop-de-doo Revue and the Trail's End Restaurant, since those are right next to the lake. We ate at Trail's End one night and it was fabulous. We did have to drive to the main bus stop to catch busses to the other parks. You CAN take a bus to the main bus site, but it ended up being much quicker and easier for us to just hop into our car and drive there.

We made this mistake on our very first day of going to the bus stop to catch a bus to MK rather than taking the boats... We waited about an hour and no bus ever came. So we didn't make that mistake again!!

The little "path" we stayed on.

The campsites ended up being better than I could have imagined. Since we went during off season, it wasn't crowded at all. It was mostly old people in their campers!! Which was good for us cause the bathrooms were rarely crowded. If you tried taking a shower at about 8 in the morning, it was a bit crowded, but I always took mine around 10 at night and never had to share the entire bathroom with another human being during my whole shower time.

Cute little mat inside the bathroom door.

You walk in and go straight back for the showers, to the right for toilets.

The showers each have a stall door. There is a little bench inside each one, and a curtain that closes off the shower.

The line of stalls, and my bathroom bag hanging on the hooks.

We were able to fit two 6-person tents very comfortably on the site. Since it rained the first night, we had to run to Wal-Mart to buy towels and a tarp for Devon's tent because, for some reason, the tent came without a roof already attached, and so it quickly filled with water during the set up process. Good thing Wal-Mart is just a short drive from the campsites!! Mine and Ean's tent did really well keeping the rain water out, so that was good.

Our site number

Long driveway to fit a big camper!

Our two tents sitting nicely on the sand pad.

Mine and Ean's tent plus our extension cords.

We had some trees behind the tent that we tied string to to make a clothes line for our bath towels.

We had a picnic bench and a water hook-up that ran good, clean water. We also had an electrical hook up where we plugged in two extension cords- one running to mine and Ean's tent, the other to Devon's. We brought breakfast items with us and a stove to boil water for coffee, which saved a lot of time and money. Ean would boil the water while I got dressed and ready for the day (and while Devon slept for an extra 10 minutes, haha!). The only thing we didn't have at the campsites was Wi-Fi. We didn't spend much time hanging in our tents though. Not only were we trying to cram as much as possible in for Devon since he hadn't been to Disney in like 15 years, but we also were never so hot and drained that we needed to go back and rest.

Overall, our experience with the campsites has been one of my favorite Disney experiences so far. Ean and I will definitely be staying here again. I'm not sure we'd want to tent camp in the middle of summer, but if we go again during the winter months, the campsites are a wonderful option.

My cute gang in Disney World!!!

Be Our Guest restaurant for lunch

One thing I have been wanting to do for a very long time is eat at the Be Our Guest restaurant in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

Reservations for dinner are booked years in advance, I feel like, so we knew that was out of the question. Ean and I actually made the last minute decision to go to the Magic Kingdom early on the day we were traveling back home from our honeymoon. Since we drove and we have annual passes, we figured this would be a really great way to end the trip. So we got up, packed all our things in the car, and hopped onto a bus for the Magic Kingdom. We waited in line for awhile before the restaurant opened, and then waited to go in. Once we finally stepped foot into the doorway, it was like stepping into the movie. It was a dream come true for me and Ean both as Beauty and the Beast is one of our favorite Disney movies.

The decor of the restaurant is unlike anything I could have ever imagined. It was absolutely beautiful. There were three dining rooms that we could eat in. We ate in the main one.

This cute little fireplace was in the room where you order food!

The main dining room was breathtaking!

It was 'snowing' outside the windows!

Ordering the food was really neat cause they had a bunch of touch screen menus in this one room and all you had to choose was exactly what you wanted, pay for it, go find a seat, and they brought it out to you. It was incredible actually. I still don't know how they were able to find us cause we could sit anywhere we wanted. All we had to do was leave the receipt on the table. (It was some sort of Disney magic, no doubt.)

Ean and I waiting to order!

Ean ordered a turkey sandwich with fries and I had a veggie quiche with the salad. Both were SO good (well, I'm taking Ean's word for the sandwich... I don't eat turkey!!) We also had a 'grey stuff' cupcake which was incredible. We should have gotten two!

I was just blown away at how incredible the restaurant was. The food was perfect, the decor was perfect- everything about our experience was perfect, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat!