My Favorite Sunday Brunch: Ham Cheese Croissant

The weather is beautiful here at Epcot, where I am enjoying a croissant jambon fromage at the France Pavilion.

Disney's Hollywood Studios: Hey Howdy Hey Take Away

Located across from the entrance to Toy Story Midway Mania in Pixar Place, Hey Howdy Hey Take Away serves snacks and soft drinks. There's no seating available here; the nearest seating is at the Studio Catering Co., near the exit of the Backlot Studios Tour.

Read more about Pixar Place on Page 38 of Mouse Map.

Disney Hollywood Studios' Backlot Express: Meaty Macaroni

Kid's pick Meaty Macaroni at Backlot Express is made with turkey, so it's not too heavy. I got acookie today, instead of the "default" applesauce.

This message was sent using the Picture and Video Messaging service from Verizon Wireless!

To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.

Note: To play video messages sent to email, QuickTime� 6.5 or higher is required.

Pop Century: Mediterrean flatbread pizza

The flatbread pizza at Pop Century's Everything Pop food court are made with a thin, crispy crust and a variety of toppings. It's not a typical "American-style" pizza -- for that, go to the pizza counter across the food court. This pizza is tangy and unique, a perfect option for grown-up tastes.

Pop Century is one of four Value Resorts at Disney World. Each one has a food court with multiple counters. Read more about the Value Resorts on Page 73 of Mouse Map.

El Pirata Y El Perico, Magic Kingdom

 

Restaurant: El Pirata Y El Perico

Location: Adventureland, Magic Kingdom

Quick Review: This counter-service restaurant is only open seasonally -- which is too bad because I love their Mexican-style food! The menu might vary from the one you see here. Indoor and outdoor seating.

For more info: See page 17 in Mouse Map. 

Have you eaten here? Use the comment box to post your review!

Pizzafari, Disney's Animal Kingdom

Meal: Pizza with Caesar side salad and two small beverages.
Location: Pizzafari, Discovery Island at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Quick Review: This pizza lunch is just the right size for two to share! The cost is about $9, plus $2.25 per drink. The crust is between thin and thick, not too "dough-y," with a mild, tasty sauce.
For more info: See page 44 in Mouse Map.
If you've eaten at Pizzafari, add your review by using the Reader Review checkbox below and/or writing a comment.

Smart dining at Disney World - CNN.com

Browsing around on the CNN web site, I came across a nice article titled Smart dining at Disney World by Eileen Ogintz. She makes the standard recommendations... and makes a comment that I think it worth sharing:

I was disappointed that Disney restaurants -- so quick with the kids' menus and crayons and awesome kids' desserts (how about a white-chocolate puzzle that came with a brush and different color frostings so they could "create" their own desert?) -- didn't immediately offer some Mickey-shaped crackers when we sat down.

That's a great point. If you're traveling to Disney World with small children, be prepared for relatively slow service at restaurants. Just to review... Disney World has two basic types of restaurants: counter-service and table-service.

• At counter-service restaurants, you stand in line to order and pick up your food, then seat yourself to eat. Think glamorized fast food.
• At table-service restaurants, you are seated, then a server takes your order and serves your meal. (There are a few buffets, where you serve yourself.)

No matter where you're dining, don't expect quick service. Long lines are typical at counter-service restaurants. Enjoying the ambiance is part of the thrill of eating at table-service restaurants, so service isn't rushed.

So here's my secret tip... Look for packages of Mickey crackers and cookies at your Disney hotel gift shop! They cost about $3 or $4 and come in resealable packages. Perfect for carrying to the parks!