Posts Tagged ‘dining’

Guests visiting Walt Disney World during the 2011 EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival, which runs from September 30 to November 13, 2011, can now begin planning their culinary adventures!

Some of the changes this year include the addition of booths in the World Showcase that represent the Caribbean and Portugal.  A complete listing of the participants and menus, along with a schedule of the popular Eat to the Beat concerts, is included in the Festival Guidemap.  Fans of Party for the Senses will be happy to learn that cast members from Cirque du Soleil will once again add their special brand of fun and excitement to this popular event.

Also new for 2011 is the addition of Sweet Seats to the “3D” Disney’s Dessert Discovery, The Discovery of Chocolate series, the Cranberry Bog Display, Home Entertaining Seminars Hosted by HGTV, Mixology Seminars, Scent Demonstrations, Italy Food & Beer Pairings, Italy Dessert & Wine Pairings, Italian White Truffle Lunch, Mexico Tequila Lunch, The Magic of Healthy Living Dinner, and the Kitchen Memories seminars.

For your convenience, we’ve  put together a series of printable guides which highlight the program offerings for this year.  Those wishing to attend any of the special events and seminars can begin making reservations on August 16, 2011.

Premium Events and Experiences

Premium International Events

Special Festival Seminars and Experiences

Special Sweet Events

You can also get further details about past Festivals by reviewing earlier posts.  It’s a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World ~ the weather is beautiful, the Magic Kingdom is festively dressed for Halloween, and there is so much to see and do and taste!

Beginning July 26, 2011, tickets will be available for the 2011 season of EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional Dinner package.  Performances will begin on November 25^th and run through December 30^th, with three shows daily at 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m.

This annual favorite features a beautiful performance of seasonal music by a large chorus comprised of the wonderful Voices of Liberty, a cast member choir, and numerous guest choirs from around the country, accompanied by a full orchestra.  The highlight of each show is the reading of the Christmas story by a special celebrity narrator.

Prices are tiered to reflect both the dining venue and choice of lunch or dinner.  Guests with either the Magic Your Way Plus Dining or the Magic Your Way Plus Deluxe Dining plans can use two table-service credits.   Those on the Premium and Platinum plans can substitute the dinner package for one of their meals.

We’ve provided a downloadable document with complete details including a current list of guest narrators and a pricing chart for the various restaurants participating in this year’s package.

We invite you to review past posts for more information about the Candlelight Processional programs.

Located at the beautiful Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort, Roaring Fork is definitely one of the better quick-service stops.  Diners will find the usual selection of burgers and pizza as well as the familiar children’s menu items.

But Roaring Fork also offers some delicious choices which are unique to this venue.  For a welcome change from the typical fast-food fare, try the Territory or Wilderness Salad or the Ham and Tillamook Cheddar Sandwich.  There’s a nice bakery section featuring the popular magic cookie bars, and little individual chocolate bundt cakes.  Breakfast items range from a hearty Bounty Platter to Create-Your-Own Yogurt Parfaits and assorted pastries.

There is a seating area inside, or guests can choose to dine under an umbrella at one of the tables outside with pleasant views of the courtyard. Roaring Fork is also convenient to the main pool area and has seasonal hours that generally run from about 7:00 a.m. to midnight.

Familiar dishes, simply prepared; pleasant surroundings and prompt, cheerful service; the Turf Club Bar & Grill is another relatively unknown restaurant tucked away in a Disney Vacation Club property.

While it’s popular with the guests staying at Disney’s Saratoga Springs and Spa, the Turf Club is often seen as little more than a default choice when other, more popular, venues are not available.  In fact, the food is as good as, and often quite a bit better than, what is available at other locations in the Downtown Disney area.

Guests enter through a charming lounge that exudes a sense of clubby goodwill in keeping with the racing theme of the resort.  It features comfortable seating, a pool table, and the equestrian art and memorabilia found throughout the property.

Well-placed mirrors make the deceptively small dining space appear larger, and there is a covered, outdoor terrace which is a nice option during good weather.  Seldom busy, it offers a haven for those looking for a change from the chaos of character buffets.

Review: Dining at the Turf Club is an event that seems to polarize guests.  We seldom hear moderate reviews of this restaurant.  Instead, people are typically extremely positive or negative.  And yet, it is a moderate experience in almost every way.  The menu is strongly “American” with the somewhat bland offerings and seasonings that the term often implies.  The ambiance is relaxing while lacking the unique personality many of us look for in a Disney restaurant.  During my last visit, I found the service to be excellent and listening to others around us, it was clear that guests who made the trip more than once during their stay were greeted and treated like old friends.  If not for the food, it may be worth a special trip for the quiet, unhurried surroundings.

Menus

Lunch

Dinner

Dessert

The Turf Club Bar and Grill

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa

Lunch 12:00 p.m. to 4:55 p.m.

Dinner 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Stepping into Olivia’s feels like a warm hug – sunny and bright and, well, just plain homey.  Patrons can expect the friendliest of welcomes and a casual, relaxed atmosphere.

Disney’s Old Key West is the original Disney Vacation Club resort and many years ago, the members began bringing their family photos.  Today, some of the walls are still covered with frames of every conceivable shape, size, and color, featuring the faces of loved ones – newborns and grandparents, kids and characters, weddings and birthdays and Grand Gatherings of every sort.

Few guests who aren’t staying at this property make the trip to the “Keys” to eat here, so walk-ins are typically seated quickly.  Happily, at a time of increasingly homogeneous offerings at many of the other Walt Disney World restaurants, Olivia’s menu has retained some of its original Conch Flats flair.  Many dishes feature a dash of the Caribbean: tropical fruits, jerk spice, conch and shrimp, mojito marinade, beans and rice.   A number of the more interesting menu items have come and gone through the years, only to return, perhaps in response to guests’ complaints.  The conch fritters are back and perhaps we will see a return of the coconut shrimp.

Diners can choose to eat indoors or at one of the tables outside on the shady patio.  And the restaurant’s namesake still smiles from the top of the menu!

Review: I have always been particularly fond of the Po Boy which was off the menu for several years, so I was delighted to see it had returned when I was last there.  It’s a shrimp version and doesn’t have the wonderful french bread that the purist would demand, but the shrimp are always cooked perfectly – a simple and satisfying sandwich.  During the period when it wasn’t offered, the chef was always willing to make it especially for me, which may account, in part, for my very positive review!  While many returning Walt Disney World guests have started a tradition of a first or last meal at a character dining venue, my family and I will often make the trip to Olivia’s at the beginning of our vacation.  Somehow, the cheerful ambiance and friendly smiles seem infused with that special “Disney feeling” we love so much.

Menus

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Dessert

Olivia’s Café

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Breakfast 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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

Guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort can take advantage of an early holiday gift this year in the form of special dining discounts at selected locations during specified hours.

Coupons are valid before noon or between 3:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.   Click on these links to print your coupon for Walt Disney World or Disneyland, or look for them in the Times Guide at Walt Disney World, the Holiday Entertainment Guide at Disneyland, and at the bottom of selected receipts at both locations.

At Walt Disney World, enjoy a 30% discount at these favorite Quick-Service spots from December 19, 2010 to January 1, 2011:

Magic Kingdom Park

• Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
• Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
• Columbia Harbour House
• Pinocchio Village Haus
• Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant

Epcot

• Electric Umbrella
• Liberty Inn
• Sunshine Seasons

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Backlot Express
• ABC Commissary
• Studio Catering Company

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

• Flame Tree Barbecue
• Pizzafari
• Restaurantosaurus
• Tamu Tamu Refreshments

If you’re planning a visit to Disneyland between December 19, 2010 and January 3, 2011, take advantage of the same savings at these popular venues:

Disneyland Park

• French Market Restaurant
• Hungry Bear Restaurant
• Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante
• Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port
• Tomorrowland Terrace

Disney California Adventure Park

• Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill
• Lucky Fortune Cookery
• Pacific Wharf Cafe
• Taste Pilots’ Grill
• Award Wieners

If you’re visiting at the right time and looking for a change from the usual fast food fare, consider a stop at El Pirata y El Perico Restaurante, located in Aventureland at the Magic Kingdom.

Open seasonally, the limited menu features food with a Mexican twist including such favorites as burritos, tacos, and quesadillas, with meatless selections for vegetarians.  The pleasant ambiance continues the theming of the nearby Pirates of the Caribbean and offers covered open-air seating.

Generous portions and a nice toppings bar make this a great option for a quick-service lunch.   El Pirata y El Perico is open only during the busiest seasons, and the short hours, typically from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. require a bit of advance planning.

UPDATE:  As of February, 2011, this restaurant has been renamed “Tortuga Tavern!”

Interesting news today regarding Le Cellier, one of the most popular restaurants at Walt Disney World:  beginning in March of 2011, those on the Disney Dining Plan will have to “fork” over two table service credits to enjoy dinner here as the evening meal becomes a Signature dining experience.  Lunch is currently slated to remain a one-point option.

It’s a picturesque stroll past flowing streams and bright flowers to the entrance of Le Cellier, located at the Canada Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase.  Home of the famous Canadian cheddar cheese soup, pretzel bread, Canadian chocolate “moose,” and the ever-popular-but-soon-to-disappear one-credit steak dinner, Le Cellier has long been one of toughest reservations to obtain.

Review: I’m probably going to get bashed for this one, but I have never understood the popularity of this restaurant.  Yes, the food is decent and I do love it when the server steps up and says, “Hi, my name’s John and I’ll be your Canadian tonight.”  But the reasons for the effusive praises from thousands of guests elude me.  Of course, I don’t really “get” Dole Whips either (gasp) so I’m obviously not in step with the majority.

Le Cellier means cellar, or more kindly, wine cellar, and the interior evokes all the charm this word implies – dark, dreary, and windowless.  The tables are very crowded, often making it difficult to get in and out of chairs.  The servers, while pleasant and helpful, seem rushed and overwhelmed at times, which can translate to a less than relaxing meal for the diners.

Yes, the cheese soup and pretzel bread are both yummy, and the chocolate moose is one of the cutest things you’ll ever see on a plate.  Steaks, while perhaps not of the same quality as those found in high-end steakhouses, have been a bargain at only one table-service point.  For two points, look to Yachtsman at Disney’s Yacht Club for the best steak at a Disney restaurant, and save Le Cellier for lunch.

Menus

Lunch

Dinner

Dessert

Le Cellier

EPCOT, Canada Pavilion

Dinner 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

VITAL STATISTICS

Name: Pluto

AKA: Rover, Pluto the Pup

Favorite Sayings:  “Bark!  Bark!”  “Grrrr”  “Sniff, sniff, sniff”

Memorable Quote: “Kiss me”

Awards: #1 in The Greatest Animated Pets of All Time

Qualifications: cheerful, loyal, fun

Facebook Friends:  Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto, Fifi, Dinah

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, Future World, Character Spot
• EPCOT, American Adventure
• Magic Kingdom, Town Square
• Magic Kingdom, Toontown Hall of Fame (subject to change)
• Magic Kingdom, Liberty Square
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Camp Minnie-Mickey
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Dinoland entrance
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Oasis, main entrance
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Sorcerer’s Hat
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Mickey Avenue

Character Dining

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tusker House, Donald’s Safari Breakfast
• EPCOT, Garden Grill
• Contemporary Resort, Chef Mickey’s
• Polynesian Resort, ‘Ohana Best Friends Breakfast
• Beach Club Resort, Cape May, Goofy’s Beach Club Breakfast
• Fort Wilderness, Mickey’s Backyard Barbeque Dinner Show

Shows

• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Fantasmic!

Parades

• Magic Kingdom, Celebrate a Dream Come True
• Magic Kingdom, Spectromagic
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade

Miscellaneous

• Magic Kingdom, Main Street U.S.A., small bronze statue in the hub

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