Posts Tagged ‘dining’

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

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.

VITAL STATISTICS

Name: Goofy

AKA: Goofus D. Dawg; Dippy Dawg

Favorite Sayings: “Gawrsh!” “A-hyuck!”  “Well, whaddya know …”

Prized Possession: green hat

Qualifications: optimistic,  good-natured, kind

Facebook Friends:  Max, Mickey, Donald, Minnie, Pluto, Clarabelle

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, American Adventure
• EPCOT, International Gateway
• EPCOT, Future World, Character Spot
• Magic Kingdom, Town Square
• Magic Kingdom, Toontown Hall of Fame (subject to change)
• Magic Kingdom, Toontown Barnstormer (subject to change)
• Magic Kingdom, Frontierland
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Camp Minnie-Mickey
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Dinoland U.S.A., Chester and Hester’s Dinorama
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Sorcerer’s Hat

Character Dining

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tusker House, Donald’s Safari Breakfast
• Contemporary Resort, Chef Mickey’s
• Beach Club Resort, Cape May, Goofy’s Beach Club Breakfast
• Fort Wilderness, Mickey’s Backyard Barbeque Dinner Show

Attractions

• Magic Kingdom, Toontown, Goofy’s Barnstormer (subject to change)

Shows

• Magic Kingdom, Castle Forecourt Stage, Dream-Along with Mickey
• 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, Town Square, photo op with statue sitting on a bench

#4 Grand I Yacht

She is the queen of the Disney Fleet, the seventh largest marine fleet in the world; the beautiful Grand I – the only vessel at Walt Disney World that boasts a bed and bath.  With salon, cabins, galley, and head complete with shower, it’s a comfy and indulgent “watercraft rental” that’s a world away from the pontoon boats.

Your captain and deck hand welcome you aboard for an unforgettable luxury cruise experience around Bay Lake and The Seven Seas Lagoon.  A truly special occasion calls for special arrangements, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Private Dining is happy to oblige with everything from champagne and strawberries to a multi-course dinner served by a private butler.  Whether it’s cake and ice cream for a birthday party or hors d’oeuvres for a sunset sail, they will help to make your voyage magical.

Cruises are available throughout the day, but the most popular time is during the evening when you can enjoy an amazing view of Wishes Nighttime Spectacular, complete with stereo sound.

Variously listed as accommodating 13 to 18 guests, the space is tight for more than ten or twelve passengers and we suggest fewer if you are planning a sit-down meal.  Prices increase often and are currently more than $500.00 per hour; definitely a significant splurge with your significant other, but more reasonable when shared amongst you and a dozen of your closest friends!

#2 Illuminations Dessert Party

Lasers and lights, fireworks and flames; Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is a spectacular nightly event at EPCOT’s World Showcase.  You can guarantee a premier view and enjoy it in an uncrowded and festive fashion by arranging an Illuminations Dessert Party.

Although it’s not inexpensive, it is one of the least-pricey private events making it one of the most popular, as well.

The party generally lasts about an hour with guests meeting at, or being escorted to, the chosen location for a half hour of grazing before the show begins.  Because this is a custom event, there are endless possibilities for 10 to 2,000 guests.

There are a number of standardized charges including a flat fee for the venue, a minimum per-person food and beverage charge, a viewing fee for anyone not entering with a park ticket, and an additional service charge and sales tax.

The menu can be expanded to include a variety of cold items and a limited number of hot items; cordials and other alcoholic beverages; and custom cakes and desserts.  Floral and decorative accents can also be provided.

While this is often a “stand-up” event, smaller parties can opt for tables and chairs at an added cost.  Parties may be required to utilize the services of Disney hosts or private Disney transportation, depending upon their arrangements.

Locations include several wonderful waterside terraces around the World Showcase Lagoon where the fireworks seem close enough to reach out and touch.  Planning an intimate celebration for two?  No problem – smaller parties are welcome but must pay charges for the minimum number of guests required at the venue.

We’ve shared our fav5 Splurges, both Small and Special.  Now, we’re moving to our top choices for a Significant Splurge!

#1 VIP Tour Services

For those of you who would enjoy the freedom of letting Disney be your guide, we highly recommend their VIP Tour Services.  While your Whimsical World Travel concierge will take care of all the details of your vacation, your private VIP Tour Guide will be your personal navigator during your stay.

After collecting information about the interests and expectations of your group, a custom itinerary will be created just for you.  Your Guide’s special expertise includes an in-depth knowledge of the parks; attractions, geography, trivia; which will guarantee a relaxed and carefree experience for your party of one to ten people.

What you can expect:

• With a touring plan and dining reservations based upon your preferences, your Guide will choose the best routes through the parks, obtaining new FastPasses for your party while you’re enjoying an attraction, to maximize your park-touring hours.
• You will be able to take advantage of special viewing areas for parades and fireworks, and enjoy premium seating at shows.
• There’s no need to worry about finding your favorite character or even the nearest restroom.  Your VIP Tour Guide knows the neighborhood!
• Your Guide has a wealth of stories to share about the parks, the buildings, the attractions, and the thousands of small details that make the Walt Disney World Resort so amazing.
• In the past, guests were expected to include the Guide in their dining plans, and pay for the meal, when a tour ran more than 4 ½ hours.  Currently, you may choose either to dine alone or include your Guide, with Disney picking up the tab for the Guide’s meal.
• The Guide’s pager number is provided to each member of the party, making it easy to reconnect in the event that anyone becomes separated from the group.

What you cannot expect:

• Back-door access to rides – while there may be special arrangements for entrance to shows, you will be expected to utilize regular stand-by and FastPass lines for other attractions.  Your Guide’s experience with crowds, wait times, and schedules will help to minimize time spent standing in line.

• Park admission – the cost for VIP Tour Services does not include admission to the parks which must be purchased separately.

Other services available at additional cost:

• Private transportation can be arranged for pick-up from your resort to the parks and between locations if you hope to visit more than one park on a given day.  This often involves access to the parks from backstage areas which is a real time-saver if you are hoping to experience shows and events scheduled close together in different parks.

• An Unlimited FastPass option allows your party to enter the FastPass lines as often as you want during your touring period.

VIP Tour Guides can be booked 180 days in advance.  Because this department was originally created to service high-profile guests who needed separation from the crowds, those guests remain the first priority and Guides may not always be available for the general public.

Guides must be reserved for a minimum of six hours and you may choose to take advantage of the service for only one day of your vacation, or arrange to be met and accompanied by your Guide from the moment you arrive, for the length of your stay.

Prices are per hour and vary widely depending upon a number of factors including the time of year, whether or not you are a guest at a Walt Disney World Resort, any additional inclusions, and sometimes, who you are talking to.  Current prices start at about $175.00 per hour.

VIP Tour Guides are a terrific option for first-time visitors and those looking for a stress-free, fully-planned experience.  They are wonderful for organizing the park time of an extended family group, and can be quite cost-effective, per-person, for parties of eight to ten.  For busy adults who spend their working hours planning and organizing, VIP Tour Services offers the opportunity to enjoy a true “vacation!”

Having braved the lines for Toy Story Mania! in Pixar Place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you deserve a snack!  Amble on over to Hey Howdy Hey Take Away for popcorn or chips, ice cream, a cold drink, or maybe Wheezy’s Breezy Freezy!  If you’ve dashed over early in the morning to grab that FastPass, you’ll also find Danish, cinnamon rolls, granola bars, and coffee.

Views of the beautiful courtyard at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge with its winding creek, waterfall, and wildflowers, provide an enchanting backdrop for Artist Point, one of Walt Disney World’s Signature restaurants.

The room has a casual feel with its murals and Mission furniture. Woods and Craftsman-style lighting lend warmth to the soaring space. Interesting game meats are a standout on the Pacific-Northwest-inspired menu. Best known for cedar-plank-roasted salmon, Artist Point is one of the few restaurants which serve Copper River Salmon during its short season; typically around the end of May.

Review: The bare tables and casually-dressed clientele belie the formal and attentive service at Artist Point. A cheerful and knowledgeable waitstaff is always well-versed on both current menu items and a wine list that features wineries from Oregon and Washington State.

This lovely restaurant has managed to retain its distinctive flavor through the years, continuing to offer a thoughtful and interesting menu which changes to reflect the seasons. Even the signature dishes are continually served up in creative new ways. One of the best features here, which has been adopted by some of the other restaurants at Walt Disney World, is a wine flight which allows diners to choose three wines from the list to enjoy during their meal. At $28.00, it’s not the bargain it was just a few years ago, but it includes all wines available by the glass and is a nice opportunity to sample some less-familiar bottles.

Menus

Dinner
Dessert
Wine
Drinks

Artist Point

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

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

Business Casual dress code

Nostalgia reigns at the Hollywood Brown Derby, appropriately located on Hollywood Boulevard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  It’s a recreation of the famous California restaurant – the walls covered with caricatures of the stars and the menu featuring some of the original  items, served by a crisply-attired staff.

The main dining room has a warm and clubby atmosphere with dark woods and dozens of wonderful drawings.

A meal at this Signature Restaurant is available as part of the Fantasmic! Dinner Package and the special experience, “Lunch with an Imagineer,” is held here in the small and private Bamboo Room.

Review: Disney has gone to great lengths to replicate the design and detail of the original, but the elegant ambiance of that Tinseltown icon, where diners dressed to impress, has been lost in a sea of shorts and sandals.  The “business casual” dress code of the Signature restaurants, never really enforced, truly falls by the wayside in this venue, the only one located inside a park.

Although I’m not personally blown away by the highly-touted grapefruit cake, the Cobb Salad, made from Bob Cobb’s original recipe, is a reminder of the reason this dish has endured.  Overall, the menu has escaped the homogenization that’s befallen so many other Disney restaurants and still features distinctive choices.

While the food is probably the best available inside the parks, the dining experience itself feels decidedly un-Disney.  This may be a plus for many but in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which boasts the most amazingly-themed venues imaginable in the Sci-Fi Dine-In and 50’s Prime Time Café, it seems a bit colorless by comparison.

Currently, Disney has chosen to offer the same menu for both lunch and dinner which makes it a wonderful dinner option, but a rather expensive and heavy meal for lunch.

Menus

Lunch and Dinner
Dessert
Tea
Wine

Hollywood Brown Derby

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

11:30 a.m. to time depending on park closing

Park admission required