Posts Tagged ‘Disney’s Boardwalk’
Come Fly With Me
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
Flying Fish Café
Disney’s Boardwalk
Dinner 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
You’ve Got a Friend
They cruise the World Showcase Lagoon and ply the waterways of Crescent Lake, offering a welcome sight to park-weary guests emerging from EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They are Disney’s Friendships; eight boats that ferry their passengers between docks around the World Showcase Lagoon, and make the rounds of Disney’s Boardwalk, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Clubs, the International Gateway at EPCOT, the Swan and Dolphin hotels, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Numbered from I to VIII, each Friendship sports its own distinctive trim colors. Their design was inspired by European canal and river boats and while the seats may not be planned for comfort, the air-conditioning definitely is! Generally both stroller- and wheelchair-accessible, adverse wind and water conditions may prevent roll-on boarding. There will be a sign posted at the landing announcing any changes.
Two boats run routes in the World Showcase Lagoon, one between the landings at the Canada pavilion and the Morocco pavilion, the other making the trip from Mexico to Germany and back. While not always a time-saver, taking the boat is a pleasant way to enjoy the surroundings and avoid part of the 1.3-mile trek around the lagoon.
It’s a relatively short walk from Disney’s Beach Club Resort to EPCOT; a slightly longer journey from Disney’s Yacht Club or Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Villas. A longer walking path leads from the Boardwalk area to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Most guests, though, feel they get plenty of exercise during a visit to Walt Disney World and opt to hop a Friendship. Boats travel between these parks, stopping at the resorts that surround the lake and canal.
Service typically begins around 8:30 a.m. and runs until approximately one hour after park closings. If you’re lucky, you may find yourself onboard with the birdman. His pockets are always filled with treats and the birds seem to know he’s coming; flocking to the dock and approaching him when his boat arrives!
Breathless!
She’s a beautiful sight skimming across the water of Crescent Lake, her spray sparkling in the Florida sun. The wonderful Breathless II, a reproduction of a Chris-Craft mahogany runabout, circa 1930, is docked at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club marina waiting to make memories for some fortunate guests.
While there are a number of specialty boating experiences available at the Walt Disney World Resort, the Breathless II offers a uniquely exhilarating ride. Up to seven passengers have an opportunity to fly through the water at speeds of more than sixty miles per hour.
An onboard CD player adds musical ambiance as guests cruise the lake and the canal to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and travel close to the World Showcase Lagoon, enjoying close-up views from a new perspective. Fun details include an easel at the water’s edge with a painting of the International Gateway.
Named for the Dick Tracy character Breathless Mahoney, the Breathless II is available for half-hour and hour-long daytime outings as well as Illuminations cruises at night. Embarkation can be arranged from Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, or Disney’s Boardwalk.
Due to its small size, food options for the cruise are limited, but guests looking for a romantic add-on can order champagne and strawberries. Newlyweds searching for an unusual photo opportunity might consider flying a “Just Married” flag during their wedding-day cruise!
