Dan Padavona

Dan Padavona is a fan of all-things Disney Parks. Dan and his family have visited the Walt Disney World resort complex many times. He enjoy sharing tips and experiences from around the House of Mouse. Dan is the son of the late rock icon Ronnie James Dio.

Tips for Renting DVC Points

Resorts of WDW No Responses »

May 152013

As we recently discussed on our blog and on our Facebook page, prices at Disney World are rising rapidly and outpacing inflation significantly. Therefor we all look for new ways to save money when planning a Disney vacation. We love to stay on site, and we prefer deluxe resorts. But we also recognize how expensive these resorts have become. Is there any way to save significant money on a deluxe resort? Thankfully, the answer is yes. For frequent visitors to Disney World who enjoy moderate and deluxe resort accommodations, joining the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is an investment worth considering. However DVC requires a significant financial investment, and arguably a time investment too. Once you commit to DVC, you will need to visit at least

Disney World – Are You Being Priced Out?

Disney World Parks, Resorts of WDW, Uncategorized 1 Response »

Apr 132013

Disney World - Are You Being Priced Out?

Every once in a while we get inspired to write an article which examines Disney World from a standpoint other than that of a Polyanna. While we love the house of mouse, we are critical of many trends taking place in the World, not the least of which being the incredible rise in ticket pricing. In 1997, my wife and I honeymooned at the Grand Floridian in Walt Disney World. We paid a shade under $290 per night during the peak summer season for a garden view room. It was expensive, but as a new middle class family, we were able to swing the cost. In subsequent years, we returned to other deluxe resort options such as the Polynesian, Contemporary, and Beach Club. The same

San Angel Inn Review – Epcot

Restaurants of WDW No Responses »

Apr 032013

For nearly two decades our family has enjoyed the many excellent restaurants across the Walt Disney World resort. One restaurant we often return to is The San Angel Inn, located inside the Epcot Mexico pavilion. Disney foodies will be pleased with the quality and presentation of meals served at San Angel Inn. However it is the incredible ambiance which sets it apart from any other restaurant at Walt Disney World. We like the atmosphere so much that we rank it as one of our most-romantic restaurants at Disney World for couples. The interior of the Mexico pavilion is immersed in twilight. Even if it is high noon, one feels as if they are strolling through a Mexican village just after dusk whenever they are here.

The Japan Pavilion – Epcot Center

Disney World Parks No Responses »

Mar 312013

Japanese gardens are famous across the world. From rock gardens and zen gardens, to miniaturized landscapes, the Japan Pavilion of Epcot Center captures the aesthetic pleasure of traditional Japanese garden design. It is not surprising that Japan is among Disney tourists’ favorite World Showcase pavilions. The Japan Pavilion is a World Showcase original, opening October 1, 1982 with Epcot Center after several years of planning. Classic architecture such as the Japanese Pagoda are front and center. Disney’s version is a five-story Pagoda known as the goju-no-tu, whose design evolved from the growth of the religious Stupa as it spread across Asia. Drums from this site can often be heard across Epcot Center during performances by the Matsuriza group. A Torii Gate provides additional interest along

Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Scheduled

Restaurants of WDW No Responses »

Mar 282013

Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Scheduled

The 4th Annual Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic has been announced for Friday and Saturday, October 18-19 2013. The Food and Wine Classic features educational seminars, and wines and culinary treats from around the world. There will be live entertainment both Friday and Saturday. Packages are available which include accommodations at the beautiful Swan and Dolphin resort. Featured chefs include Todd English, Robert Ciborowski, Christopher Windus, and Laurent Branlard. Guests will have the opportunity to sample sushi, pastas, pastries, desserts, and more. The Swan and Dolphin complex includes 17 restaurants and lounges, a Mandara Spa, and 5 pools. In our opinion, it represents one of the most impressive values on the Walt Disney World resort. Package One Includes one night

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