Archive for April, 2010

The menu features fried chicken and barbequed ribs, but the comedy is pure corn at the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue.

The Pioneer Hall Players entertain the audience in the rustic Pioneer Hall, located at Disney’s Fort Wilderness.  It’s a wonderful recreation of an old-time dance hall with red velvet curtains, wooden walls, and “kerosene” lanterns. The six members of this talented troupe offer up lots of slapstick humor and silly banter which keep everyone laughing.  It’s a washboard-strummin’ good time for all ages, with song and dance, music and merriment.  A piano and banjo add to the folksy flavor.

Dinner is filling and fun, served family style from buckets and bowls, with plenty of refills.  Tossed salad and cornbread, mashed potatoes, corn-on-the-cob and baked beans, and strawberry shortcake served with verve, round out the meal which also includes a variety of beverages: soft drinks, juices, coffee and tea, milk and lemonade, as well as wine and beer.

Tickets are available for pick-up at the Lobby Concierge seven days prior to show date. Guests staying in suites and concierge-level accommodations can arrange for their tickets through the concierge staff.  Early pick-up allows guests to confirm seating times and learn of any changes in the check-in procedure.  Tickets may also be picked up at the show box office.  Plan to arrive at least 40 minutes before show time for box office pick-up.

Guests who are NOT on a dining plan are required to pay in full at the time of booking and must call 407-939-3463 (407-WDW-DINE) to cancel at least 48 hours prior to the reservation to avoid losing the deposit.   For guests using any of the Magic Your Way plans that include dining, the reservation is guaranteed with a credit card.  While not charged in advance, if they do not cancel and do not show up, the credit card will be charged for the full value of the tickets reserved.  The Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue uses two table-service credits.  Prices include tax and gratuity.

Boat transportation is available from the Magic Kingdom to Ft. Wilderness, and Pioneer Hall is a short walk from the dock.  Guests may choose to take bus transportation from any Disney resort to any theme park or Downtown Disney, then transfer to a bus for the Ft. Wilderness Resort.  Boat transportation is also available from Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

The show, approximately two hours long, is performed three times each night at 5:00 p.m., 7:15 p.m., and 9:30 p.m.  There are three different seating categories:

Category 1 seating is on the first-floor level with tables right in the middle of all the activity.

Category 2 seating is located behind Category 1 on the first floor, or in the middle section of the balcony which faces the stage.  Some of the Category 2 tables at the very back are high-top with bar-stool-height chairs.  While they do allow diners to see over the tables in front, they may not be as comfortable for all guests.

Category 3 tables are located on the right hand side or left hand side of the balcony on the second floor.

Note: Guests seated in Category 2 or 3 areas may be required to ascend one flight of stairs.

Only Categories 2 and 3 are available using a Disney Dining Plan for the 5:00 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. shows.  Category 1 is also available for the 9:30 p.m. show only.

One great thing about this production is that the actors make an effort to engage the entire audience, often walking to the middle and back of the main floor and shouting up to tables in the balcony, including everyone in the fun.  There really are no “bad” tables at the Hoop Dee Doo.

Be warned that this is an “interactive” experience and those catching the eye of a cowboy or dance hall girl might just find themselves part of the show!

The best seats go to those who book early, so plan to make a reservation as soon as the 120-day window opens.

 

Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue

Disney’s Fort Wilderness, Pioneer Hall

Nightly 5:00 p.m., 7:15 p.m., 9:30 p.m.

Approximately 2 hours

Adults $52.99 to $61.99

Children ages 3 to 9 $26.99 to $31.99

If you’ve ever dreamed of Halloween at Walt Disney World, it’s time to start planning!  Dates for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party have been released and there are lots of opportunities to add this seasonal favorite to your autumn itinerary:

September – 3, 8, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, & 30
October – 1, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, & 31
November 1

7 p.m. to 12 midnight

Ticket Prices for 2010, not including taxes range from $53.95 to $59.95 for adults and $47.95 to $53.95 for children.  Lower prices reflect advance purchase savings which are not available for all dates.

Here are a few tips to make the party even more fun:

Don’t forget that guests holding party tickets can generally gain admittance to the park as early as 4:00 p.m.  You can save a day on your park tickets and still spend some time enjoying the Magic Kingdom before the party begins.  The cost of a ticket to the party is far less than the cost of a one-day one-park admission ticket.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets represent a significant additional cost; don’t waste valuable party time having dinner.  Make your plans early and grab a late-afternoon dining reservation in the Magic Kingdom or one of the resorts close by.  When the fun begins, you’ll be ready.

If you and your family are planning to wear costumes, take the weather into account.  Party dates begin in September when the temperatures can still be extremely warm.  Going in costume definitely adds to the fun, but you don’t want your choices to interfere with the evening’s activities.

If elaborate costumes are not for you, other possibilities include matching, themed tee shirts for your group, or Mardi Gras style masks (Disney does not allow full-face masks).  These options are both easy to pack and easy to wear.

There’s plenty of candy and the candy-handlers seem to be extra generous at the end of the night.  Make some extra passes at the candy stations late in the evening.

If you’re a fan of the Villains, there’s no better time to ogle the Evil Ones than at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.  They are the stars of the parade and the fireworks extravaganza, Happy HalloWishes.  At the Villains Mix and Mingle, you can enjoy a show followed by meet and greet opportunities.

Cinderella’s coach awaits in Fantasyland but don’t miss other photo opportunities.  The Magic Kingdom is beautifully decorated for the holiday and Halloween-themed displays are everywhere, offering the perfect backdrop for a memorable shot.

Guests with dietary concerns will find sugar-free candy at City Hall.

The wonderful Mickey’s Boo to You Halloween Parade is shown twice, but the Headless Horseman only rides before the first parade.  Since the second parade is usually less crowded, you may want to find a spot to see the Horseman, then go and enjoy the attractions during the parade when lines are shorter.

When you’re ready for the parade, stake out a claim along the curb that lines Main Street U.S.A.  The view from this vantage point is wonderful; the floats are practically close enough to touch and the parade characters and cast members give lots of attention to the guests closest to the street.  The decorations are spectacular and seem to get better with each passing year.

Finding a viewing spot early gives you plenty of time to enjoy the window displays, the lighting, and the simply smashing pumpkin collection.  Keep an eye on the second floor windows for some entertaining special effects!

If your vacation will span more than one party date, remember that nights during the middle of the week are usually less busy than those on the weekends which often draw local crowds as well as visitors.

The first night to sell out is always October 31^st.  If you intend to celebrate on Halloween, pick up your tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  While this is the most festive night, it’s generally the most crowded, as well.

Along with the best Villian-spotting of the year, you’ll have a rare opportunity to see some of the 999 Happy Haunts who make their home at the Haunted Mansion.  They’re grim and grinning and dressed to impress on these special nights, joining the parade and even chatting with guests at the Mansion.

It’s a beautiful time to visit Walt Disney World and Whimsical World Travel is ready to make your Halloween truly spooktacular!  Read about our special Halloween itinerary or contact us to help plan something special just for you.

Statuary – it’s everywherey!  Disney is in love with statues and guests will find them all over the parks, resorts, shops, and ships.

From a tiny finial to a larger-than-life likeness, Walt, Roy, and the cast of characters are recreated for the delight of visitors.  They hide in flowers, sit on benches, look up, peer down, wave, and welcome.

Among the most charming are the small bronzes surrounding the hub in front of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World.

Here, we find the classic characters, Dumbo, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald, Br’er Rabbit; their personalities perfectly captured – an iconic pose, a special smile, a famous friendship.  They surround what is unquestionably the most well-loved bronze of all, Partners.

The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra Smooth sounds waft from the second floor perch of this talented group.  Come, sit, enjoy!

Portrait ArtistCapture the memories with a special portrait.

The Grand Floridian Ladies On Monday and Thursday mornings, watch for parasols on parade as they make their serene way across the courtyard.

Afternoon Tea Enjoy mimosas and afternoon tea, served with elegance each day in the Garden View Lounge.

Victoria & Albert’s Transforming food into art, this incomparable restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience for the discerning.

Grand Pianist Every afternoon and evening, a white-tied-and-tailed pianist entertains visitors from the grand piano, taking turns with the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra.

The Grand I The fabulous Grand I yacht sits at the marina waiting to take guests on a first-class cruise around the lagoon.

Private Dining While room service is available at all of the Deluxe Resorts, the Grand Floridian’s Private Dining takes it to another level.  Dreaming of a picnic on the beach?  Have a hankering for a hot dog by the pool?  Just contact Private Dining.  Whether you’re hoping to enjoy a romantic dessert in a secluded location on the grounds, a family dinner in an upstairs lobby, an affair for 25 of your closest friends, or your favorite sandwich from a chaise in your cabana, they’ll make every effort to accommodate your wishes and even offer some magical suggestions of their own!

Grand Floridian Spa A peaceful retreat to relax and recharge during an active vacation; guests can take the experience home with a selection of their delightful, grapefruit-scented signature products.

Wedding Pavilion Although other resorts offer ballrooms, dining venues, balconies, gazebos, and gardens, only Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa has its own dedicated wedding chapel.  Brides can plan every detail of their Fairytale Wedding at Franck’s Studio, adjacent to the pavilion.

 

 

Disney’s flagship resort offers plenty of opportunity to enjoy restaurants, refreshments, and retail therapy.   Boasting a greater number of dining and shopping options than any other Walt Disney World resort, there’s something for every age, every mood, and every pocketbook:

Table Service

• Narcoossee’s:   Seafood selections in a relaxed atmosphere with views of the Seven Seas Lagoon
• Citricos:    Inviting ambiance and imaginative dishes with a Southern European inspiration
• Grand Floridian Café:   Casual dining room serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner at moderate prices
• 1900 Park Fare:   Charming character meals accompanied by the amazing organ, “Big Bertha”
• Garden View Lounge:   Afternoon tea with all the accoutrements
• Victoria & Albert’s:   Extraordinary fine-dining experience in elegant surroundings

Lounges

• Mizner’s:   Intimate room featuring vintage ports and brandies
• Citricos Lounge:  A well-kept secret tucked away on the second floor

Quick Service

• Gasparilla Grill and Games:   Pizza, sandwiches, and salads, with some arcade fun

Shops

• Basin White:  Bath and beauty in black and white
• Commander Porter’s:  Gifts and gear for men
• M. Mouse Mercantile:  Souvenirs and Disney-themed apparel and toys for little pirates and princesses
• Sandy Cove:  Sundries and daily necessities, Grand Floridian logo merchandise
• Summer Lace:  Women’s apparel, jewelry, fragrance, and gifts

The Flying Fish Café carries the themes of the Atlantic boardwalk into a restaurant venue, and serves it up with style.  Named for one of the cars on a famous roller coaster in Coney Island, the décor is an eclectic mix of vintage carnival ride and sea-life motifs. Patrons are greeted at the entrance by winged fish leaping over a neon sea and fishy door handles.  The interior is decorated with charm and whimsy, giving diners lots to look at during the meal.  Pillars sport scales, fish parachute from the ceiling, metallic tiles lend their sparkle. A stylized interpretation of a ferris wheel graces a far wall and a tent lends a carnival atmosphere to an alcove at the back.

There is a limited, but well-chosen, seasonal menu with nice presentation and absolutely wonderful service.  In addition to tables with chairs and banquettes, there is bar seating in front of  the open kitchen where diners have a ringside seat for the culinary activity.  As one of Disney’s Signature Restaurants, dinner here requires the use of two Table Service credits for those on the Disney Dining Plan.

Recently, a special dining experience has been added – the Chef’s Tasting Wine Dinner, and the first six seats at the bar are set aside for participants.  With the exception of a few holiday dates, it’s offered twice each night at 5:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., Sunday through Thursday.  The Dinner features five courses expertly paired with wines selected by the Flying Fish Café’s sommelier.  Diners can expect current menu items to be presented in inspired new ways and will enjoy lots of interaction with the chefs.

Reservations are $135.00 per person, or $85.00 without wine pairings, must be paid-in-full at the time of booking, and are not included in the Disney Dining Plans or Tables in Wonderland programs.

Review: I LOVE the Flying Fish Café.  The buzz always seems to be about California Grill and Le Cellier, neither of which rings any bells for me, yet there is much less mention of several  of my personal favorites, with Flying Fish being right at the top of that list along with Jiko.

Although I have encountered issues with incorrectly cooked dishes, both under- and overdone, I’ve never experienced anything less than outstanding service. The servers here bring an enthusiasm and sense of humor seldom encountered elsewhere on property and though I certainly have favorite servers at several Disney restaurants, I think that, as a group, they are unsurpassed.  So, whatever my issues with a particular dish, I find I always leave with a “good taste in my mouth!”

When the food is on, it is spot-on.  There’s a reason their Potato-Wrapped Red Snapper is a permanent fixture; the accompanying leek fondue is a revelation.  I’ve had considerably less luck with the other signature dish, a Black Angus New York Strip Steak.  Both my dining companion and I ordered this one evening; neither plate was prepared as ordered and after sending the meals back twice, we never did get what we had wanted.  I’ve particularly enjoyed the wonderful appetizers, including an array of bisques and calamari dishes.  The beautiful cheese plate with honeycomb and raisins on the vine is truly memorable.

Menus

Dinner

Drinks

Wine

Flying Fish Café

Disney’s Boardwalk

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

Public Areas

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is probably best known for its magnificent lobby. Framed by more than 60 miles of fanciful, white-painted millwork, it soars five stories to a ceiling inset with intricate stained-glass domes.

It is a favorite destination of both resort guests and the visiting public who come to explore, take photographs, and pass the time.

Enormous floral arrangements lend their color and scent to the happy atmosphere.  Elaborate sofas with ornate cushions are an invitation to linger.  Bridal parties array themselves along the grand staircase for the photographs that will commemorate their magical Disney weddings.

Visitors can enjoy the shops and restaurants located on the first and second floors, commission a portrait, or relax and enjoy the sounds of the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra.

Areas beyond the second floor of the Main Building are reserved for Concierge guests.  While not open to the general public, these floors do provide lovely shared spaces for those in Royal Palm accommodations.  The Royal Palm Club lounge on the fourth floor has wonderful views of the activity below and there are pleasant seating areas scattered throughout the top three floors, both inside, and on large exterior verandahs overlooking the grounds.  In Sugar Loaf Key, the small lobby of the ground floor has been transformed from the relatively open and empty area found in the other Keys to a pleasant, well-furnished lounge.

Guest Rooms

The Grand Floridian’s 867 guest rooms offer a variety of configurations and views; nearly twenty different categories are available.  Room types include the standard with two queen beds, many with a daybed which sleeps an additional guest; dormer rooms on the top floors of the lodge buildings which are slightly smaller with vaulted ceilings and enclosed balconies; lodge tower rooms with their semi-circular window bays and seating areas; several types of deluxe and king-bed rooms in the main building; and a variety of suites throughout the property.  Views may be of the gardens and manicured grounds, lagoon, pool or beach, marina, or the Magic Kingdom.  Garden, lagoon, and Magic Kingdom views can be reserved at varying rates.

Expect the usual amenities with the addition of robes, a keypad rather than keyed safe, upgraded bath amenities, turndown service, and numerous Private Dining options.

The “Garden View” can encompass anything from a view of the pool, a partial lagoon view, a room overlooking the marina, or a sweep of beautifully-manicured grounds.  For much less than the cost of the other rooms, you can still enjoy all the beauty that this lovely resort has to offer.

“Lagoon View” denotes a room that looks out over the Seven Seas Lagoon; choosing a “Theme Park View” guarantees that your lagoon vista also includes the Magic Kingdom with premier seating for the fireworks right from your own balcony.

It’s difficult to come by a bad view at the Grand Floridian but some views are only available from specific keys.  Sugar Loaf Key, for example, has both garden and marina views, while certain rooms at Sago and Conch Keys offer spectacular views of the Magic Kingdom.

Each newly-refurbished unit features soft pastel colors and light pine woodwork, with heavy draperies and padded cornices, lace undercurtains, comforters and bedskirts, daybed and accent pillows, all in crisp fabrics with floral motifs.   There are various combinations of tables and chairs, daybeds, sofas, benches and footstools, depending upon the room.  Most offer a split bathroom with marble-topped double sinks outside of a separate room containing the tub and toilet.

Some of the most interesting rooms at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa are the “deluxe” rooms.  Most are larger and inclusive of a sitting area and a wet bar; many also have interesting floor plans that depart from the typical hotel-room rectangle.  For a modest additional cost over a standard club-level room, they are a great value.

Guests have a choice of two different Concierge Level categories – Lodge and Royal Palm.  Many guests are unaware of this when selecting their rooms and are disappointed upon arrival to learn that they have booked a room that is located in Sugar Loaf Key rather than the Main Building.  Royal Palm is certainly the more indulgent of the two, with a substantially higher price.

There are also a range of suites.  All units on the fifth floor of the Main Building are suites, including some which can be combined to provide a large unit for bigger families and groups.  There are also suites located in the Keys including a number of “hospitality suites.”

As with all hotels around the world, there are more- and less-desirable rooms.  Turn to your Whimsical World Travel Concierge for guidance in choosing the best accommodations for your next visit.