Jellyrolls

I was given another opportunity to write another article for Celebrations and this time I wrote about Jellyrolls. I love this place and right now, my three favorite memories about it are when I went with my friend Cait and had her bachlorette party there, taking my sister for the first time and her loving it, and celebrating there when I found out I passed my boards for R.N.!! I haven't compared the actual published article to what I am posting here. Like the one I did for tea at the Grand Floridian, they may have adjusted for space. (I do know they changed the title. =0))
Jellyrolls: A Rockin’ Good Time

“Do you know what time it is?” If you don’t you soon will. These are words that you will hear randomly through the night at Jellyrolls. So pull up a chair, sit back and relax... and welcome to Jellyrolls!

Located down on Disney’s Boardwalk is a fun and festive place called Jellyrolls (named in honor of “Jelly Roll” Morton, who was a ragtime pianist in the early 1900’s). The pale blue and white striped exterior has hidden inside a bar that is unlike any at the Walt Disney Resort. It’s a sing-a-long style with dueling pianos, where the guests make the requests. Because of this, no two shows are ever the same! The live action that these talented guys put into their shows will make you smile, laugh and bring back memories of songs all the way back to childhood. This is a great place, even if you like to sing but don’t have a great singing voice or afraid of karaoke. You will blend right in!
When you enter Jellyrolls, you find seating on the upper portion and around the edges of the sunken floor area. You can also take a few steps down into the floor area of seating before a raised stage with a large angled mirror. The mirror is great in letting you see guys play as the pianos start dueling. The guys team up so the music is continuous. The first two will start playing for the 8 o’clock hour, swap with another. They will continue to alternate through the night. Depending on the night you are there, you will enjoy the talents of Scotty Kilwein, Ray McGee, Michael Kilwein, Michael Williams, Tommy Bell or Daniel Deal. They will make your night something to remember and want to return again and again. Jellyrolls is addicting!
The décor is a wood and low light with random signs hanging around from different alcohol/beer venders, including a surf board with a shark bite taken out of it. There are two bars on either side of the room and servers to take your orders at the tables. When the music gets going the audience really helps as you are part of the show. Your server will bring you some napkins, so you can make a song request. Either you can walk it up on stage or ask your server to. There is a little secret here though: no money, the song is a suggestion… otherwise, it’s a request. They even have a Fast Pass! $20 gets your song played next! So bring cash along for the songs and credit cards for the bar.

With your participation you help make this unique and exciting for everyone there. There are some favorites that you will hear, from Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” to Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing”, Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places” to Chuck Berry’s “My Ding-a-Ling”. Let us not forget the songs of Jimmy Buffett, Barry Manilow, the Bare Naked Ladies, Abba or Johnny Cash. You may even hear some songs from School House Rock, Fraggle Rock or some Disney favorites. Have a list of songs in your head, because if you get there late and your request was played already, you get to think of another one. Bad side about being late, you may miss Scotty Kilwein doing “Rainbow Connection” which is a must see. These guys can play just about anything. Though it does happen, rarely will you see them stumped.
This is a great place to celebrate birthdays, first dates, bachelorette/bachelor parties, weddings and more! When you hear “Do you know what time it is?” The response is, “No. What time is it?” Chances are that someone is getting brought up on stage to celebrate something special or it’s time to stretch your legs and join in a group song. For the possible bachelor or bachelorette, there is a single version of “I’m a Little Tea Pot” or the opportunity to see if you are paying attention. For this they play something like, “My Bonnie Lies over the Ocean” and every time you hear a word with “B”, you stand up/sit down to certain words in a song. When its group participation you can be doing motions to songs like “The Unicorn Song”, “Pink Cadillac”, “The Hokey Pokey” or even the “Time Warp”. Don’t worry if you don’t know what to do, the staff gets up on stage (and the bars) to help lead you along.

The service here is really good, as are the drink specials. They serve alcohol, wine, beer and soda, along with $1 pony beer, from 9p.m. until they are gone and a 32- ounce drink special for $9. Ask your server or look to the wipe board in the middle of each of the bars to see what this week’s special is. Popcorn is free, so you may want to eat before you head over. Also, keep in mind there isn’t any resort to resort transportation here, but you can park at the Boardwalk, or take a bus to Downtown Disney for a bus swap or get a taxi back to your resort. It’s easy walk to Beach and Yacht Club Resorts, the Swan and Dolphin and of course the Boardwalk Resort.

Jellyrolls information:

• Must be 21 or older with photo ID
• 
  
  $10 cover charge
• 
  
  Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express and Diner’s Club accepted
• 
  
  Open 7p.m.-2a.m., music starts at 8p.m.
• 
  
  7 days a week, 365 days a year
• 
  
  No smoking
• 
  
  Free popcorn
• 
  
  Alcohol, beer, soda and wine served
• 
  
  Casual dress, shirt and shoes required
• 
  
  Handicap Accessible
• 
  
  No video taping please
• 
  
  Please, don’t shoot the piano player… he’s trying very hard!

England

Here I am in England... having just been to Oxford yesterday, thinking I should do a quick blog. There is a tie here to Disney. Not only with our love of Winnie the Pooh, or Peter Pan and Tinkerbell... there is also Lewis Carroll and C.S. Lewis. We were in ChristChurch at Oxford and went into the garden where Alice used to play. She was a real little girl. I have forgotten some of the story... and may need to go back. Sadly we couldnt see a few things there as they were closed off for now. But I could sense the magic there (and not just because parts of Harry Potter have been filmed there). Also known author from there that Carroll was friends with... Tolken!

The night we arrived I was in London. I went to go ride the London Eye but we missed the last flight. That was fine. When we came out from the underground... we came up to find the Clock Tower that houses Big Ben! Absolutely Beautiful!!!!!!!!! Lit up and also chimed. Didnt see Tink or Peter flying around there... but I did imagine them there.

Afternoon Splendor

I thought I would post this over here also. I have it on another blog, because that is where I had it before I created this blog. This article appeared in Celebrations Magazine, April and May issue. Now this article was edited to fit, so things that you read here will include the omissions. There is another article coming out soon in the next issue (due out late June) and then I have one to do still. Enjoy!
Afternoon SplendorThe Grand Floridian! It’s a place that allows one to go back a little in time, to enjoy a tradition that is easy to fall in love with. It’s a timeless tradition that may become a Disney ritual. The Grand Floridian is a step back into the 19th century. Upon arrival you may be greeted by Richard and when you enter the lobby of the Grand Floridian, you step back into the Victorian era with the décor and ambiance. The lobby is open and airy with a ceiling six stories up, topped with two large ornate, crystal chandeliers and stained glass windows. To add to the atmosphere, of creating this step into time gone by, is the details of the cast member’s costumes, the cage style elevator, and the late afternoon music playing in the lobby from the classic pianist or the band playing on the second floor. As you look around, take it all in, and stroll to the back of the lobby. There, tucked at the end with a bank of large windows is the Garden View Tea Room.

After checking in with the Host/Hostess, you will be taken up a couple steps andseated. The tables are set with Royal Albert’s Old Country Roses cups and saucers. The tables are small along the wall, with bench seating and chairs. A few larger tables are available for a larger group seating. The view out the large windows is beautiful. You may even see a bride on her way to her wedding, or having photos done in the garden. When your server comes over she will gently lay your napkin in your lap, and introduce you to a delicious menu. The menu opens showing a variety of black, white, green and herbal teas. Two teas are exclusive to the Tea Room: the Gardenview Blend and the Princess Breakfast teas. The menu will continue with entrée options and then a’ la carte. If this is not your first trip, it can be hard to pick because you may want to try something new, but want some of your favorites.

Depending on the tea you choose, you will either get a teapot with its own cozyor a pressed pot (French pot). Your first cup is poured by your server through astrainer that sets across your tea cup, and then out of the way on a rest. You will find sugar cubes in the sugar bowl on the table, but they do provide other options. You can also ask for milk/cream, honey or lemon for you tea. Whichever offering you have decided to savor, your server will bring out each course as you progress through tea. You may start with the tea sandwiches or a cheese and fruit plate, followed by scones and Devonshire cream, ending with strawberries and cream. Depending upon your arrival time, you may start to hear the music from the lobby of the classical pianist. The music just seems to float along with your tea.

You will find it relaxing and something you want to enjoy again and again. It may be you desire a quiet time by yourself, sharing time with your girlfriends, Mother-Daughter time, or even with your Prince Charming or Pirate… just no Mad-Hatters here. (And yes, several men have been seen there enjoying tea with their wives or girlfriends). Don’t forget to get some tea to take home, that you can purchase from your server, or stop in the gift shop, the Sandy Cove, to get a tea cup to take home. This way you can recreate the moment when you back home. One thing to note about tea at the Garden View Tea Room is that it is not on the Disney Dining Plan, but you are able to use the Tables in Wonderland Card.

Some entrée menu options:
The Grand Tea - The classic English tradition of afternoon tea, Grand Floridian style. We offer you a variety of tea sandwiches, scones and jam tarts, followed by your choice of our freshly baked tea pastries or English trifle, accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine and your choice of tea.Buckingham Palace - Our traditional tea sandwiches, scones and jam tarts complimented by fresh strawberries & cream, or a selection of freshly baked pastries, served with your choice of tea.

Prince Edward's Tea - A delicious array of ducy and cherry terrine,chicken & pork roulade, country pate en croute, and English Blue Stilton,the "King" of English cheeses. Served with marinated fresh berries, andcumberland sauce. We then offer our delicious fresh baked scones served with rich Devonshire cream. Your choice of our tea with a glass of our Fonseca Bin 27Character, Port.

Mrs. Potts Tea - For the younger "tea lover" in your party, we offer a variety of tea sandwiches, tuna salad, ham and cheese and peanut butter and jelly on white bread. We serve our magical dark tea (chocolate milk) followed with a choice of 2 pastries.

A’ la carte: British Cheese Plate, English Trifle, Scones with Devonshire Cream, Strawberries and Cream, Jam Tarts, Assorted Tea Sandwiches (cucumber watercress, chicken salad, egg salad, shrimp salad, and a lovely grilled pear gorgonzola), Sally Lunn Bread.

Teas: Eros, Cassis, Mad Hatter, English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Floral Jasmine Green, Jasmine White, Harmony, Lemon Verbena, Nobo Whole Fruit, Chamomile Flowers, and more.Other choices: Champagne and Sparkling Wine, bar selections, mineral water, juices, Espresso, Cappuccino, Press Pot of Colombian Coffee (also Decaf), Hot Chocolate, and sodas.

How to Brew a Pot of Tea:
· Warm your pot, while boiling water
· Add a teaspoon for each person (and don't forget one for the pot)
· Add boiling water
· Allow to steep 5-15 minutes
· Enjoy!

My sister discovered the Magic of Disney

I went to WDW this past weekend. I took my mom and my older sister. Now my mom I take fairly regular. My sister on the other hand doesn't get it. My sister is in the process of a divorce. In my opinion, she took on a lot of her soon to be ex's opinions of things. She has been to Disney a few times with her daughter when she was little, and then with her step daughter and family.

This being Mother's Day, and telling her we will take her, she finally agreed. I was able to get her a seasonal pass. This was to encourage her to make a few more trips. We picked her up, drove down the road and showed her a nice way into property with less stop lights than what she usually took.

Upon arrival to Saratoga Springs Resort, she said, "that is pretty." I smiled. "This is where we are staying." I had gotten us a one bedroom at the resort. She really liked the resort, and the room. She was impressed with the size of the room and the bath. The little details that were in the room. She even found a hidden Mickey.

We went to dinner at Cape May. Our initial plan was to be at DHS 50's Prime Time. Funny, the time was for 7:20pm and the park closed at 7pm. We were late getting there. My sister had gone to feed her horse and I was a little late getting out of work. Regardless, she enjoyed it.

We took mom back to the room, got her settled and went to Jellyrolls. My sister LOVED it! She met a couple friends of mine too. I have never gone out with my sister so it was nice. She told me, she really enjoyed the adult side of Disney.

Next morning we slept in. Got up to go to a late breakfast at the Artist Palette and then to BCV to meet Art. She really enjoyed that too.. and we met Vic! From there we went out to Epcot through the back gate. Redeemed her SP voucher and in we went. We strolled up from England to Canada. We stopped at *Heather French's kiosk (she is an artist and did the poster this year and has done others for Food and Wine). From there we went to Soarin', which again, she enjoyed.

We went to MouseGears, and then up to the front so we could see the topiaries. Saw the butterflies in the special garden. Road the ride in Mexico and Norway. Showed my sister another Hidden Mickey. She seems to like finding those. Walked around the rest of World Showcase and then back to the room to rest for a bit.

Dinner was at the Plaza and we rode Haunted Mansion and then Pirates. Next we caught the fireworks. I can't miss Wishes (okay... I can but I don't like to). Then to Teacups and a stop at the wishing well.

Next morning, my alarm didn't go off, but my sister's internal one did. Good thing too! We had breakfast at Cape May with Dorothy as our server. She is awesome! Tell her Sharon sent you.
Minnie, Goofy and Donald came by to see us. A quick run down to package pick-up to get a piece of art from *Heather French that my sister bought.

We then went to the room to pack up. We stopped at the DVC preview center. My sister went ahead with the full tour. She is going to purchase at some point. Then a stop at Downtown Disney. Unable to find one thing my sister wanted, we left to head home. It was a wonderful trip.

In the car my sister confessed (not exact quote). "I now get the adult side of Disney and why you go so much. How you go so much too. I always thought it was for kids. I like that you can go at whatever pace you want. I'm going to upgrade my pass and come down for the weekend when I want on my motorcycle and go to a water park."

Another one brought to the Mickey side. Mission accomplished

* Heather French is currently commissioned to do 2 lables for the Biltmore Estate Winery. I saw the first drafts that have to be altered because next year is the 25th Anniversary for the Winery.

Love at Disney

To me there is a lot of love at Disney. From the fairytales to other stories, like Lady and the Tramp and Wall*E. I look around when I go, seeing couples holding hands... and think one day. Well, maybe I am going to get that wish. I have met someone and he seems like a keeper. Just need him to come home. Then we can work on sharing the magic with each other. There is so much he and I would enjoy together. I just can't get enough of him.

edit: never made it there. One day... with someone else...

Up, up and away!

Okay, now I haven't done it yet, but I am looking forward to going in the new hot air balloon at Downtown Disney. This is the Characters in Flight ride. You get into a gondola that holds about 30 people, go up 400 ft. in the air for 6 minutes (I hope that is once you are at the 400 ft. level lol) and can see up to 10 miles. I was at Downtown Disney a couple weeks ago and was looking to take the ride, but it wasn't open yet. The balloon was filled though. Funny thing is, I am afraid of heights. I bet this could be a nice romantic ride at night... and another place for some engagements to happen on. I will post some pictures when I do go on it. Also, this isn't a hot air balloon... it's a helium balloon.

The Magic that is the Magic of Disney

The magic behind Disney is not just the stories we are told, or tell our children, and it is not just the little things that make us smile. It is not only the characters we have come to love... or hate (those villans!) nor is it those wonderful rides that make us laugh or scream. There is more to it than just that... it's also the Cast Members who you may miss if you do not look. The CM's that you go out of your way to stop and see. Or the new ones you meet randomly.

I was at WDW this weekend. I was in line with my mom, to see Tinkerbell and friends at Pixie Hollow. There I met a CM named Sara. She is in the college intern program at Penn State and also in the Army. She was very interesting to talk with, and I hope to see her again. I know too, that I may not. She talked about being at West Point, about her unit, and about her family. She hadn't seen her Dad in a couple years, as he is enlisted too, and they got together at Disneyland Paris. She said that is the park that is sentimental to her. I can see why. She said she cried and cried when she first saw her Dad again. If... no, when, I finally get to DLP, I hope to think of Sara. As Sara walked away, I stopped her to shake her hand, and told her thank you for doing what some of us couldn't have done, by serving.

There are also some CMs that I go looking for. The ones that make my heart happier... that ask about my family, if they are not there with me. There are 3 in particular that I can think of right off. The first is Matthew. I didn't get to see him this weekend, but he is never far from our thoughts. He and my mom made a connection of a special sort a couple years ago, on my birthday. Matthew saw on my mom's wheelchair "Mimi". This was what I called her mom, and she took it as her nickname in regards to my nieces. Matthew called his Grandmother "Mimi" also and when he saw that at the end of the day, he started crying. He was adopted that day by my mom.

Dorothy is a dear lady. She was missing for several months due to a car accident. I met her through a friend, and have asked for her whenever I go to Cape May for breakfast. She is super sweet and spunky! I was thrilled to find she was back to work! I had missed her.

The most humble person in the world that I know of is also a CM at WDW. He is a true treasure and a Disney Icon in his own right. People go out of there way to see him or say hello. I had met him several times, but got to know more about him through the same person who introduced me to Dorothy. I am talking about Art the Greeter at Beach Club Resort and Villas. Art has given me so much with just his wonderful hugs, words of wisdom, encouragement when I wasn't sure about school. He asks about my mom when she isn't there. He asks about things we discussed were going on the last time I saw him. I have talked with him for a couple hours on some of my visits, pausing to take photos with others, or help them with directions. I tell him I feel like I am keeping him from doing his job, as he is greeting and saluting others as they enter. He just smiles and tells me this is part of my job. I have taken many photos of him and guests over the past couple years. I don't mind a bit! He has the warmest smile for everyone... and I am blessed to call him a friend. I am looking forward to introducing my sister and some other friends to him.

There are a couple others CMs that I see depending where I am at... Anthony, Richard and now Vic, because of the great humor he has with Art. These are just a few of the CMs that are the magic of Disney!

Disney Twenty-three

Today I got my lithograph print from D23. I had already seen a picture of this from Joe and some other bloggers that had posted about it. I love it! I am going to get a custome frame for it. Why not? Get it matted and have a pocket on the back for the certificate. May put the letter in it too. Not sure where I will hang it though. Limited space under the current circumstances, that and waiting to redo the one room at house.

I had planned to join D23 when it opened. Joe had done some research a few weeks (month?) before the announcement and found items that Disney had applied for patents for, etc. Unfortunately, on the day of the announcement, I wanted to make sure some other obligations didn't get out of hand. Thankfully, all worked out as planned and two days later, I was 23 also. I doubt that I will regret this investment and am sure I will continue it after the year is up. I had wanted to get the Tinkerbell Charter Member pin, but forgot about it.

I haven't gotten my magazine yet though... not sure what else may come... but looking forward to it!

My Disney Addiction

I was introduced to the joy and wonders of Disney as a child. I remember watching it on television at night with my older sisters and parents. We moved to Florida in 1972 and that was my first trip to the World. That was when it was just the Magic Kingdom. Where you got actual tickets for the rides. They were lettered and certain rides were certain lettered rides. I think we went 3 times in the 3 years we lived in Florida (that time). At some point I got a Disney Long Playing (Yes, LP) Storybook album. It was Robin Hood. I still know all the words to that. I also have one still for Black Beauty that Disney did. There were also some other LPs and small story book albums that were 45's.

When we moved back to Florida (to the same area, 4 hours away), I got to Disney maybe 3-4 times. Then we moved to North Florida. 90 minutes away from my happy place... okay, OUR happy place!

Since moving so close... I have gotten to WDW at least 100 times in 17 years. Nice to go for just a day... couple hours... weekend. To meet up with old friends, some for the first time, some for their first trip ever. To run away from the madness of my world at home! (Don't get me wrong, life isn't bad AT all, but a dose of Mickey does great for one's mental health).

I got to become an Annual Passholder, and eventually, bought into the DVC. I am also a PROUD member of the D23. I just got my card the other day. I am waiting for all the other good things to come. I was in the old Disney Magazine (next to last issue), am a subscriber to Celebrations Magazine and eagerly awaiting the next issue (April/May 2009). I have something posted on my private blog that I will move here eventually.

I will also note for you all that the info here is from my point of view and my experience. There is a chance I may have some wrong info. I admit, to others astonishment, that I am not perfect. LOL If I have some bad info, I apologize.

(Note about the Disney Tunes: yes, I know Anastasia wasn't a Disney Movie... but I love it all the same.)