Disney’s Vero Beach Resort tends to be a Disney Vacation Club location that everyone seems to forget, possibly second only to Disney’s Hilton Head resort. Recently, our own Outlet Influencer Derek Burgan took a day trip to Vero Beach to have a look around and share some photos of what he saw, including the beautiful holiday decorations.
Have you ever visited Disney’s Vero Beach Resort? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
The one year anniversary of Disney’s Riviera Resort has arrived, and it’s the perfect occasion to revisit Bar Riva. This outdoor bar, near the resort’s pool, is a popular spot among hotel guests and regular guests alike. I decided to visit Bar Riva for the first time a few days ago, and I fell in love.
Located near the feature pool, on the outside corner of the resort’s main building, Bar Riva is an ideal setting for a relaxing round of drinks and a lovely lunch. When I arrived a little after lunch time the weather was blissful. I much prefer outdoor dining venues these days. There is seating inside the main bar area, and it is covered, but the entire front is open, bringing in lots of fresh air. The décor is bright, with tranquil, rich blues and an oceanside feel.
Bar Riva Outdoor Bar
I did not linger much in the main bar area, as a high top table outside was available and I didn’t want someone else to snatch it up. A mild disappointment came when there were no seasonal drinks or foods on the menu. I selected the Italian Sangría Blanco. Making a choice among all the handcrafted cocktails was not easy, but I wanted something light. And the $13.00 price point makes it slightly lower priced than the average Disney cocktail.
Sangria Blanco at Bar Riva
With La Fiera Moscato, Caravella Limoncello, and Apple Juice the sangría satisfied my desire for an easy-to-drink cocktail. The apple juice brought a slight fall flavor that helped make up for the lack of seasonal cocktails.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich and Sangria Blanco at Bar RivaGrilled Chicken Sandwich and Sangria Blanco at Bar Riva
For my meal I could not resist the Grilled Chicken Sandwich. Normally, I am not one to be drawn to grilled chicken sandwich, but the Roasted Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Spinach Artichoke Spread, and Toasted Focaccia drew me in immediately. When the sandwich arrived I couldn’t wait to tuck in. All the wonderful flavors melded together.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich and Sangria Blanco at Bar Riva
The one downfall of this sandwich is that it fell apart. The grilled chicken breast was quite thick. The focaccia did not stand up to the weight of it all. If I could offer a suggestion for how this sandwich is prepared it would be that the chicken be sliced to make it easier to eat. Otherwise, I was very pleased with my selection and would order it again, this time wearing a poncho for the inevitable food fallout.
Our readers give Bar Riva a 93% thumbs up rating, and it is ranked number 30 out of 107 Walt Disney World bars. It certainly won me over. It is easy to get to from the Disney Skyliner, so you can enjoy this delightful outdoor bar even if you’re not staying at Riviera Resort.
Have you ever visited Bar Riva? What did you think of it?
Animal Kingdom has some of the most distinct merchandise of any Walt Disney World theme park. From the off-world wonders of Pandora – World of Avatar to hand carved figures made in Africa, there’s some interesting goods to be found. To help you plan your time in Animal Kingdom, let’s look at some of the merchandise you can find in many of the park’s shops.
At the hub of the park, Discovery Island, you’ll find a wide selection of merchandise. Like other Disney theme parks, the heart of the park has some of the largest merchandise shops with a well-rounded selection of merchandise that represents a variety of lands and attractions in the park itself. Island Mercantile fits this bill. There’s merchandise from a variety of attractions and lands, and merchandise dedicated to the park itself. This is a great shop for commemorating your day at Animal Kingdom.
Also in the Discovery Island area is Discovery Trading Company. Here you’ll find lots of collectibles as well as special items like designer purses and jewelry. There is also adult apparel, much of which is fashion and lifestyle inspired. This shop is great for special gifts, even if they’re gifts for yourself.
Discovery Trading CompanyDiscovery Trading CompanyDiscovery Trading Company
Over at Dinoland U.S.A. you’ll find the zany Hester’s and Chester’s shop. This place is fun to see even if just for a quick stroll. It’s so campy and silly. The merchandise here is primarily toys, children’s clothing, and other novelty items. We found some good sale items in here too.
Hester’s and Chester’s Dinoland USA MerchandiseHester’s and Chester’s Dinoland USA MerchandiseHester’s and Chester’s Dinoland USA Merchandise
Near the Yaki and Yeti restaurant you’ll find an open air merchandise shop with merchandise that you won’t find anywhere else. Much of the apparel will appeal to yogis and people who enjoy the Eastern influences on mindset and mindfulness. There’s also interesting toys including dragon figures.
Yak and Yeti Merchandise ShopYak and Yeti Merchandise ShopYak and Yeti Merchandise Shop
Finally, at Pandora – World of Avatar you’ll find merchandise you can’t find any place else. Themed after the wonderous creatures and plant life found on the planet of Pandora, some items are beautiful, while others may leave you asking “who approved that?” One such item is the plush tail guests can wear to resemble the Na’vi. Windtraders is located at the exit of Avatar Flight of Passage and is worth a stroll even if you don’t make it onto the ride.
Windtrader’s Pandora World of Avatar MerchandiseWindtrader’s Pandora World of Avatar MerchandiseWindtrader’s Pandora World of Avatar MerchandiseWindtrader’s Pandora World of Avatar MerchandiseWindtrader’s Pandora World of Avatar Merchandise
Don’t forget about Disney’s merchandise delivery and package pick up. If you are staying at a select Walt Disney World resort hotel you can have your merchandise purchases sent back to your hotel. You can pick it up the next day at your hotel’s gift shop. Or, any park guest can have their items sent to Merchandise Pick-Up at the front of the park. Your purchase will be sent to the front, and held for you at the end of the day. That way you don’t have to carry your purchase around all day, freeing you up to spend more money, of course.
Do you like to shop around at Animal Kingdom? What’s the most interesting merchandise you’ve found?
Filed Under: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Merchandise, Shopping, Disney Collectibles, disney merchandise, disney shopping, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
You can never have the same exact ride aboard Kilimanjaro Safaris twice. Thanks to the incredible African animals, there’s always new behavior to witness. And now you can view playful Nigerian dwarf goats at the edge of the reserve.
Once the home to a chase scene with poachers that had captured Little Red the elephant, that scene is long gone. This last portion of the ride has been pretty anticlimactic ever since.
NEW Nigerian dwarf goat area on Kilimanjaro SafarisNEW Nigerian dwarf goat area on Kilimanjaro Safaris
This new area demonstrates how domesticated animals can help curb human interference with wildlife in Africa. This habitat is said to be designed after real outposts that Disney researchers saw during research trips in Africa. These small goats are full size and their milk is high in protein, making them a valuable and helpful animal.
White Rhinos on Kilimanjaro Safaris
Of course, while riding the safari to see these little additions, our field team couldn’t help but to snap a few photos of the other awesome animals at this attraction.
Are you excited about this new addition to Kilimanjaro Safaris? What’s your favorite part of this ride?
Our team is at Magic Kingdom today to get in some pixie dust before the Christmas week crowds arrive. And we like to be in the parks daily so we can bring you accurate, up-to-date information on our site and our Lines app. So let’s take a quick look at some of the new happenings inside the Most Magical Place on Earth.
When you first arrive to Magic Kingdom you’ll be greeting by a charming…. scrim. This big beige scrim covers most of the Main Street Station. At least today there is a new image of what the station normally looks like printed on the scrim. Certainly not the picturesque greeting that guests are used to seeing, but maintenance happens.
Main Street Station Printed Scrim TodayMagic Kingdom Plain Scrim This Weekend
Over in Fantasyland the construction wall is now down at it’s a small world, revealing a bright and colorful façade – so cheerful! Thank goodness the wall was removed, that walkway was getting cramped.
it’s a small world’s colorful façade
And in Tomorrowland we got a glimpse of hopefully some good news coming in the near future. We saw a Cast Member pushing one of the ride vehicles at the Tomorrowland Transit Authority People Mover (wearing a plain black t-shirt?). Maybe we just miss this ride terribly, or maybe, just maybe this beloved attraction will reopen soon?
There’s a Human Working on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority!
In Adventureland the old scallywags at Pirates of the Caribbean must be getting a new sign. The iconic black sail sign that normally says “Pirates of the Caribbean” in red script is currently blank and has been so for quite a number of days.
Drawing a blank outside Pirates of the Caribbean
And now for some pretty Magic Kingdom pictures from today’s visit, just because we want you to have a magical day!
Flying above Magic Kingdom on Astro OrbiterPirates of the Caribbean Queue – maybe these pirates are fans of The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix?Space Mountain Tunnel Lights
Filed Under: In the Parks, Magic Kingdom, Observations, Photos and Video, disney covid, disney reopening, magic kingdom photos, magic kingdom rides, magic kingdom today
