38: Eat every cupcake at Starring Rolls Cafe

Let’s visit a wonderful little corner of Hollywood Studios called Starring Rolls Café’!

Starring Rolls features all sorts of pastries and specialty coffees for breakfast, focaccia sandwiches and sushi (!) for lunch, desserts, and more… and by more, I’m referring to the Starring Rolls CUPCAKES!! Yes, cupcakes technically fall under the category of “desserts,” but these four gems deserve a category all their own.

You’ll find Starring Rolls on the corner of Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard.  Hollywood Boulevard is the Studios “Main Street,” and you will find the Café on your first right prior to Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat. A caveat: Starring Rolls Café closes earlier than the rest of the Park. If you want to make a stop, be sure you take a peek at this sign in front of the café to plan:

Let’s start with the legendary Butterfinger Cupcake:

I use the word “legendary” because this cupcake, much like the Carrot Cake Cookie, has dedicated fans all its own. Chocolate cake with a fudge-y (is that word ?) center, topped with vanilla frosting and completely smothered in crushed, salty-sweet Butterfinger candy bar:

Turns out, it’s a legend for good reason .

Now for the Chocolate Peanut Butter cupcake.  Just LOOK at this thing:

NOTE: I tried this during Star Wars Weekends , hence Darth Vader—you will only find him topping this cupcake during this Star Wars fanfest.  Underneath those beautiful chocolate shavings sits chocolate cake topped with chocolate peanut butter frosting. If the shavings on top don’t sell you on this, nothing will. In fact, for me, that was the best part. That’s not to say the cupcake itself didn’t rock—IT DID. It’s just personal taste–peanut butter is not my favorite. But if it’s your thing, you CAN’T go wrong here.

Up next: the Marble Cupcake. Of the four, it was probably the one I was least excited to try: a marble yellow and chocolate cake base, covered in vanilla frosting hiding a big ol’ dollop of fudge topping… all topped with sprinkles and what I like to call “Mickey Confetti.” Not that it doesn’t sound great, but when I looked at the other options, it was the last one on my list to try.

BOY, was I wrong! This cupcake is wonderful—maybe all the more wonderful because it is simpler than the others. The chocolate fudge frosting shot this cupcake into my Number Two choice.

So what was Number One? Allow me to introduce you to the Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcake.

The name tells you almost everything: Red Velvet cake topped with a chunk of cheesecake and vanilla frosting. What it doesn’t tell you, but you can easily see, is that it’s also topped with chocolate-covered toffee bits. That’s right—toffee AND cheesecake! What’s not to love? I almost didn’t even care what was underneath—this one was all about the topping for me, and it was SO good that it trumped everything else. If you’re a cheesecake person, it may do the same for you.

My ultimate conclusion: WHY CHOOSE?!? Grab your vacation partners, buy one each and dig into them all! All four cupcakes count as Snack Credits on the Disney Dining Plan, or can be yours for a VERY worth-it $3.99.

A special thank you to my beautiful friends who made this feast possible, and for some of my favorite memories in Walt Disney World and of all time… much love…

29: See the Castle Lights at Christmas

The Holiday season has begun in Walt Disney World, and this breathtaking display of over 200,000 lights on Cinderella Castle is just one of many special events to celebrate the season!

Castle Dreamlights (at the Magic Kingdom through January 8, 2013):
The Fairy Godmother magically decorates Cinderella Castle in shimmering “icicles” in the presence of Cinderella, Mickey and Minnie, and a few other Disney Pals. You can see the result above , but no photo can prepare you for the sight in person.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (at the Magic Kingdom select nights November 9 – December 21, 2012)
Special holiday fireworks, a parade, hot cocoa, character meet-and-greets in their holiday finery, and SNOW falling on Main Street U.S.A. are just a few of the treats in store at this special ticket-only event.

Holidays Around the World (at EPCOT November 23-December 30, 2012):
Travel around World Showcase and encounter Father Christmas and storytellers sharing holiday traditions from around the world.

Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, Holiday version (at EPCOT November 23-December 30, 2012):
EPCOT’s nightly evening firework spectacular is given an extra special “holiday tag,” including even more stunning fireworks and a special holiday message.

Candlelight Processional (at EPCOT November 23-December 30, 2012):
Celebrity narrators read the Christmas Story, accompanied by a full orchestra and choir singing beloved Christmas carols. You can find the full list of celebrity narrators for 2012 here.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (at Hollywood Studios November 9, 2012-January 6, 2013):
Literally millions of festival holiday lights “dance” in synchronization to Christmas music—an unforgettable treat for the eyes and ears! From the Walt Disney World website: “Jennings Osborne and his family set up an elaborate collection of holiday lights and over the years, the collection of lights grew, and grew… and grew! In 1995, the Osborne family decided to share their magic with the world, and Walt Disney World Resort happily offered to become the new permanent home for this exceptional exhibition of holiday cheer.”

Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade (at Animal Kingdom November 9, 2012 – January 2, 2013):
Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle parade receives a holiday makeover!

Festival of the Seasons (at Downtown Disney November 16-December 27, 2012):
Enjoy live music while you take care of your holiday shopping, AND meet the Big Guy himself. No, not Mickey Mouse… SANTA CLAUS!

LET THE CELEBRATION BEGIN!!!

72: Run the Tower of Terror 10 Miler

The Inaugural Tower of Terror 10 Miler took place on September 29, 2012. At 10:00 pm, 10,000 runners lined up at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to take on the challenge!

Nerves (and temps!) were high, but it was nothing a little pre-race BOLTing couldn’t help:

Run Disney held true to its tradition of sending runners off with a bang!

Taking participants through the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the roads in between, Run Disney also held true to its tradition of making sure that “the smiles easily outnumber the miles!” Surprises popped up around various twists and turns, including Disney Villians, like The Shadow Man from The Princess and the Frog:

And a few of the 999 “Happy” Haunts from The Haunted Mansion (“Boo to You” Parade style):

And the Hyenas from The Lion King:

Winding through the Wide World of Sports Complex, we were taken around the baseball diamond at Champion Stadium, spring training home of the Atlanta Braves.

Then back to Hollywood Studios for a spectacular two-mile finale through the park! Runners were featured on the Jumbotron at the “Lights! Motors! Action!” Extreme Stunt Show set:

That’s my husband… never one to pass up a great moment on the JumboTron . From there, it was down New York Street…

…then past the glittering Sorcerer’s Hat,

And ending at the Tower of Terror, where finishers were treated to this beautiful baby!

There is nothing like a Run Disney medal: this one features an elevator that moves up and down, it glows in the dark, and is half the size of my head!

Runners were also treated to the Disney Villians Hollywood Bash, where we partied with some of our favorite Villians until 4:00 am.

Select attractions were also open. Sadly, I was unable to accomplish number 24 on my Disney Bucket List: “Beat my husband at Toy Story Midway Mania”… this time (I was Player 1).

So, THANK YOU, Run Disney, for another spectacular event that runners can add to their own racing Bucket Lists!

And, hey, to any readers who may be discouraged by my use of the word “runner” throughout this post, please know that Run Disney races are walker-friendly, too. In fact, I followed Jeff Galloway’s run/walk method to a successful finish.

I started my running journey simply because I happened to be at Walt Disney World on vacation during Marathon Weekend in 2008. I saw people returning to Port Orleans French Quarter, exhausted but happy, with these amazing Mickey Mouse medals around their necks. Though I had never run a step in a race and had never known anything close to an athletic accomplishment, the thought of that medal inspired me to start. I know I’m not unique in this: plenty of people start out running for the purpose of tackling a Disney race, then end up incorporating running and fitness into their lifestyle. Four years and twenty-four races later (including one full marathon), I can honestly say that Run Disney has changed my life, and I am thankful.

34: Eat a Carrot Cake Cookie

Remember that episode of “Friends” when Joey attempts to eat an entire Thanksgiving turkey by himself? He stares down all nineteen pounds of it in near defeat and proclaims: “YOU are my Everest.” That’s pretty much how I felt upon “meeting” the Hollywood Studios’ famed Carrot Cake Cookie. Seriously, this thing is literally as big as your head!

Decadent cream cheese frosting sandwiched between two luscious circles of carrot cake, the Carrot Cake Cookie is the object of adoration (check out the Disney Food Blog) and argument (the great Hollywood Studios “Carrot-Cake-Cookie-versus-Butterfinger-Cupcake” debate). I had to learn what all the fuss is about! There is only one place to go to find out:

Writer’s Stop can be found on the Streets of America at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Don’t blink, or you’ll miss it… and you don’t want to miss it!! This little nook is so peaceful you nearly forget that you are in one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. I visited Writer’s Stop on an exceptionally busy day and was amazed by the cozy and quiet atmosphere.

When I went to make my purchase, Cast Members proudly shared that the Carrot Cake Cookie is made onsite at Hollywood Studios’ own Brown Derby. There is a reason to be proud… just look at this gorgeous thing:

The Carrot Cake Cookie is considered a “snack,” but this thing is so huge and filling, it could be a meal. I’m not sayin’ it should… just that it could . I should’ve stolen Joey’s idea and borrowed Phoebe’s maternity pants before attempting to tackle it. Maybe next time… and yes, there WILL be a next time .

78: Attend Star Wars Weekends

(NOTE: This post captures my experiences from the 2012 Star Wars Weekends. For great information regarding the 2013 schedule and special events, click here).

“A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…”

Though it was neither long ago (May 20, 2012, to be exact), nor far away (Disney’s Hollywood Studios)… I finally made it to my first ever, much anticipated STAR WARS WEEKEND!!

Star Wars Weekends help to kick off summer (and the hotter temps) at Walt Disney World each year by celebrating the enduring legacy of the Star Wars saga. This year, the dates are May 18-June 10 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

In 1999, about 20 or so friends and I took shifts tent-camping outside of a movie theater for three days to get tickets to the midnight showing of Star Wars Episode IV: The Phantom Menace. So, yeah… you could say we’re Star Wars fans . So it was no small thing to finally be at Star Wars Weekends in Hollywood Studios! Even better, I had some amazing friends with me who had the BRILLIANT idea of starting off the weekend with “CUPCAKE BREAKFAST!” And not just any old cupcake, mind you–because even some of the food gets in on the fun at Star Wars Weekends…

You might think that the only thing one might need for a great day in Disney World would be sharing a Darth Vader Chocolate and Peanut Butter cupcake with friends. You would be correct . But—lucky us!–there is even more fun to be had at Star Wars Weekends! Like this…

• Star Wars Celebrity Sightings in the Star Wars Motorcade (below is Ashley Eckstein, voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars: The Clone Wars) :

• Autograph sessions including Ray Park, the actor who played “Darth Maul” in The Phantom Menace:

• Your favorite Disney characters in Star Wars garb (SO AWESOME!):

• Unique merchandise at “Darth’s Mall”:

• And special presentations featuring Star Wars celebrities… we enjoyed an absolutely amazing show by James Arnold Taylor—the voice actor behind Obi-Wan Kenobi in The Clone Wars. He’s the man of over 150 voices, and should be seen whether you are a Star Wars fan or not—you’ll easily hear 150 characters you know and love in his awesome, heart-filled performance.

There is also a special Event Main Stage, featuring “Hyperspace Hoopla” as its Crown Jewel. At the end of each Star Wars Weekend day, the Rebel Alliance battles the Empire in an epic… DANCE-OFF. Yes, you read that correctly. No pictures—you just have to see this one to believe it… and you will fall in love with The Hoopla!

There is enough fun and Star Wars joy to merit a trip to Walt Disney World for these weekends if you are a Star Wars fan.  If you aren’t already a Star Wars fan and happen to be at the Studios on these special days… you may walk away as one! Just be prepared for higher crowd levels at Hollywood Studios.

A special thank you to the dear friends who shared this amazing weekend with me. I’ll be thinking of you when I go back to pick up my Princess Leia Hoodie .

“Remember, the force will be with you always.”