Archive for November, 2009

An elegant reception area leads to one of the most inviting dining rooms on Disney property.  Citricos, located on the second floor of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, welcomes diners with warm colors and crisp linens.  An entire wall of tall Palladian windows offers expansive views of the grounds.

The menu changes often to highlight seasonal ingredients, imaginatively prepared.  Many dishes feature flavors of the citrus for which the restaurant is named.  Originally open from Wednesday to Sunday only, it now serves dinner seven days a week.

A private room, the Chef’s Domain, is available for parties of up to twelve.  For a minimum charge of $650.00, guests have an up-close view of the show kitchen while dining a la carte or enjoying a menu customized for the group.

Review: I remain puzzled by the relative lack of interest in this restaurant.  One might argue that its location, tucked away down a secondary walkway off the main corridor, is a factor. Yet, it’s far more accessible than its sister, Narcoossee’s, which is not even in the main building, but located off on its own down by the boat dock.  As part of the recorded message, monorail passengers are reminded of Citricos every time the train approaches Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.  Nonetheless, it’s still fairly easy to obtain a last-minute reservation here.

Those who have dined at Citricos generally give it high marks, but it has never generated the buzz that other venues enjoy.  I’ve never found it memorable and it’s not on my list of must-do’s, although I can’t say exactly why.  Unlike many other dining rooms at Walt Disney World, the upholstered chairs, carpeting, and drapes make for a particularly serene atmosphere, which is a delight.  I have had excellent experiences here, both in terms of food and service, yet it always seems to fall short of intriguing.  Perhaps it lacks a signature style or special dish that would set it apart.

Menus

Dinner
Dessert
Children
Wine
Drinks

Citricos

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Chef’s Domain – one seating nightly at 6:00 p.m.

In addition to the wonderful adults-only Palo mentioned in a previous post, Disney Dream offers creative new dining room themes and recreations of traditional favorites.

In the spectacular Royal Palace , elements from classic Disney movies set the stage for a regal repast.  Guests walk over inlaid marble and rose-strewn carpets to enter a fairytale, where they will dine in a splendid recreation of a famous ballroom under the shimmer of a glass-slipper chandelier.

Passengers can expect some exciting changes to the familiar Animator’s Palate.  Redesigned to incorporate the tools of animation, this imaginative venue will feature the flavors of the Pacific Rim.

Relax over breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the Enchanted Garden and enjoy the transformation from daylight to twilight as the bright surroundings magically begin to darken and glow with the onset of “evening.”

We invite you to spend some time touring the beautiful new Disney Dream on the dedicated website!

http://www.disneytravelagents.com/disneydream/minisite/

All images – Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Art

VITAL STATISTICS

Name: Winnie the Pooh

Current Address: tree (the former home of Mr. Sanders), Hundred Acre Wood

Interests: creating hums, playing Poohsticks, spending time in the Thoughtful Spot

Favorite Food: hunny

Facebook Friends:  Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Owl, Rabbit, Gopher, Christopher Robin

CHARACTER COORDINATES

Remember, the appearance of a specific character is never guaranteed.  Some of the locations below have regularly-scheduled appearances while others are occasional.  Always check the Times Guides for the most up-to-date information, and be prepared for possible substitutions at character meals.

Meet and Greet

• EPCOT, World Showcase, England, Toy Store
• EPCOT, Holiday Character Bus
• Magic Kingdom, Toontown Hall of Fame
• Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland, Pooh’s Playful Spot
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Discovery Island boat landing
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Camp Minnie-Mickey
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Mickey Avenue
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Sorcerer’s Hat

Character Dining

• Magic Kingdom, Crystal Palace

• Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, 1900 Park Fare, breakfast

Attractions

• Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Shows

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animation Courtyard, Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage

Parades

• Magic Kingdom, Celebrate a Dream Come True
• Magic Kingdom, Once Upon a Christmastime

The campanile soars above the Plaza del Teatro at the beautiful Italy pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase.  Drawing inspiration from the art and architecture of Venice, the complex is a symphony of sculpture, from the Lion of St. Mark to the Neptune fountain.

Columns and arches draw the eye down graceful walkways and along the buildings’ façades, frosted with intricate detail.

There are Italian treasures to be found in the shops, which include the lovely Il Bel Cristallo offering a colorful array of jewelry, leather goods, and decorative accessories.

Formal plantings surround the courtyard and vines climb towards the sun.  Citrus and olive trees soften the stone; flowers froth from containers.

Visitors can dine beneath the coffered ceilings of Tutto Italia enjoying Italian cuisine in a restaurant filled with old world charm.  Outside, Sergio the Juggler and the World Showcase Players entertain passersby.

Just across the way, a graceful bridge leads to a terrace overlooking the World Showcase Lagoon, where gondolas bob amid colorful poles.

Tucked between the pavilions of Germany and the U.S., Italy is a favored locale for a Disney wedding.  Stroll around and admire the statuary, sit in the warm sunshine enjoying the flowers and this small glimpse of the glories of Venice.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a neon paradise.  We get a small glimpse of those earthly delights  reflected in the windows of a vintage Cadillac, thanks to the creative eye of S. E. Smith.

If it’s true that dreams are today’s answers to tomorrow’s questions, then Disney Dream is certainly providing answers for future travelers with innovative elements throughout the ship.

One of the most exciting is the new AquaDuck, a water coaster offering guests a unique onboard experience. Riders glide through a transparent tube as it winds around the ship’s upper decks, over the side, even right through one of the funnels, twisting and turning, accelerating up hills and dropping down, before ending in a lazy river. It’s a thrilling ride for kids of all ages who are at least 48” tall!

Every stateroom will feel like an “outside” cabin thanks to the Virtual Portholes which offer live exterior views and special surprises.

In the Children’s Clubs, kids have the opportunity to chat with Crush and Stitch thanks to the technology, borrowed from EPCOT’s Turtle Talk with Crush, that brings them to life on the screen.

Passengers who stop to admire an example of Enchanted Art will be amazed when it comes magically to life, often in different ways for different guests.

Reservations open on November 9, 2009.  Contact Whimsical World Travel for more information and to book your dream cruise!

All images – Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Art

The octagonal building hovers serenely over the Seven Seas Lagoon, its façade frosted with gingerbread, its verandahs offerings exquisite castle views.  It’s the lovely Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.  Located on the water’s edge, this pleasant restaurant features outstanding seafood in keeping with its oceanside theme.

Diners can enjoy both the Magic Kingdom fireworks and the Electrical Water Pageant from tables by the window, or step out onto the expansive verandahs for perfect outdoor viewing.

The menu is a crowd-pleaser with perennially-appealing items, nicely presented.  The preparation is imaginative without being abstruse, which probably contributes to its ongoing popularity.

The spare but attractive interior has a seaside-cottage ambiance with louvered shutters, casual woods, and accents of blue.  Pillars supporting graceful arches add architectural interest to the two-level dining room.

Review: I have never had anything less than an exceptional meal at Narcoossee’s, and always look forward to dining here.  One of Walt Disney World’s Signature Restaurants, the menu prices make it well worth the two-point cost for those on the Disney Dining Plan.  Those hoping for a reservation should make plans early as this venue books very quickly.

While I have often heard it referred to as a good choice for a romantic dinner, I can’t really agree.  The interior finishes of wood, glass, and marble make this an extraordinarily noisy room, and its family-friendly ambiance attracts many more young children than some of the other Signature locations.  It’s also generally very crowded, with lots of people jammed into an undersized waiting area.  Although these features don’t necessarily interfere with the enjoyment of a wonderful meal, they aren’t conducive to the romantic moment!

Menus

Dinner
Dessert
Cheese
Wine
Bar

Narcoossee’s

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa

5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

It’s a dream come true for adults who want a grown-up experience while enjoying the quality and service they’ve come to expect from Disney; think Palo, private pool, pub, pampering!

A new entertainment area, The District, invites adults to relax and play at five unique venues:

• District Lounge entertains guests each evening with live piano and vocalists
• Featuring traditional wood and leather décor and intimate seating areas with LCD screens, Metro Pub has an additional ten screens as well as a 103” plasma screen for live-satellite sports
• Champagne-themed and sparkling with bubbles, Pink immerses patrons in an effervescent ambiance
• Visit some of the world’s great cities at Skyline where virtual windows transport visitors to a different locale each day
• A family venue by day, Evolution undergoes a transformation to become an adult dance club; the butterfly providing a stunning inspiration for this nightly metamorphosis

The spectacular two-deck Senses Spa and Salon offers an array of treatments and personal care services.  Seventeen treatment rooms and two spa villas beckon; the Relax Room and the Rainforest pamper.  A hair salon and barbershop, the Smile Spa for teeth-whitening, and a well-equipped fitness center with sweeping ocean views cater to the well-being of adult passengers.

A newly-designed Palo serves Northern Italian cuisine in an elegant atmosphere which now includes an al fresco dining option.

And, of course, an adults-only pool offers a serene spot for swimming and sunbathing!

For both families and adult groups, Disney Dream fulfills the wishes of all ages!

All images – Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Art

Photo by George Thomas

Make your little princess feel as though she’s stepped into a fairytale with a makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.  There are two locations:  Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom and The World of Disney store at Downtown Disney.

Under the patient hands of Fairy Godmothers-in-training, girls three years and older receive their magical transformations.  Choose from several packages and three different hair styles:  Disney Diva, Fairytale Princess, or Pop Princess.

• Coach Package includes hairstyling and shimmering makeup — starting at $49.95 plus tax.
• Crown Package includes hairstyling, shimmering makeup and nails — starting at $54.95 plus tax.
• Castle Package includes the Crown Package plus the Imaging Package (one 6″ x 8″ and four 4″ x 6″ photos in a princess-themed photo holder) and complete costume of your choice with accessories — starting at $189.95 plus tax.

The optional Imaging Package includes one 6″ x 8″ and four 4″ x 6″ photos in a princess-themed photo holder.

 

Boys over 3 years old have their own special, The Knight Package, which includes hair styling as well as a mighty sword and shield for $14.95 plus tax.

Guests at the Downtown Disney location can also choose Disney’s Secret Star Makeover, featuring a rock star look like Hannah Montana complete with make-up, wig, guitar purse, microphone set, and a photo session; starting at $109.95.

Requirements for the sitting:

• guests must be at least 3 years old
• guests must bring their own brush or comb with them for the Fairy Godmother to use
• hair must be freshly clean and brushed out (no tangles)
• hair must be free of all styling aids/products such as gels, mousse, hair spray, barrettes
• scalp must be clear of any “conditions” or irritations for the last 30 days
• fingernails must be clean and free of all nail polish/decals

 

Theme park admission is required for Magic Kingdom location.  For reservations prior to park opening, bring your confirmation number and a photo I.D.  A castmember will be available to admit guests with reservations.

 

Children under eighteen must be accompanied by an adult and only one accompanying adult is permitted.

Reservations: 407-939-7895  (407-WDW-STYLE) or contact your travel concierge