Posts Tagged ‘Downtown Disney’

Walt Disney World visitors looking for a different kind of souvenir might consider posing for a caricature.  Unlike the traditional portraiture available at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, caricature artists showcase their subjects in a truly unique way.

One of the most well-known permanent locations is at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, but other kiosks can be found at all four parks as well as Downtown Disney, the Boardwalk, and many of the other Walt Disney World resorts.

Guests can choose black-and-white or full-color portraits, and there are options for heads only, or head and body with a playful background.  Artists’ hours vary by location but are typically longer in the parks and run from late afternoon through the evening at the resorts.  Prices can change at any time but currently, they range from about $18.00 to $56.00 for one subject .

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.

With dazzling colors and dizzying performances, Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba is a standout for visitors of all ages.  Difficult to describe yet impossible to forget, this extraordinary show combines music, dance, acting, and acrobatics with brilliant costuming, for a production that is breathtaking and unique.

If you don’t already have tickets for your upcoming visit, you’ll be paying higher prices for all regular season seats beginning September 28, 2010.  Costs will range from $75.62 to $132.06 for adults, and $60.71 to $105.44 for children ages 3 to 9.  The two higher categories, Front and Center, and Category 1, reflect an increase of $5.00 for adult tickets and $2.00 for children.  The price will be raised $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children on seats in Category 2 and Category 3.  No changes have been planned for holiday pricing which runs from December 21, 2010 to January 1, 2011.

In February of this year, La Nouba added the amazing juggling routines of Anthony Gatto, and a new rope-skipping segment became part of the show in July.

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

Santa is a familiar sight at Walt Disney World, showing up in many locations.  In EPCOT, the different countries participate in “Holidays Around the World” and storytellers present their nations’ own special traditions which often include some type of Santa or Father Christmas figure.  Find the familiar jolly “American” Santa Claus at the American Adventure.

He also makes appearances during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and, of course, is always part of the Walt Disney World Christmas Parade.  There’s generally a Santa Claus meet and greet in the Magic Kingdom during the day, beginning in early December.  In addition, he somehow manages to make his way to Downtown Disney for Christmastime in the City.

Those looking for something a little different in a Santa will find Santa Goofy at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  Look for him at Santa Goofy’s Wild Wonderland reading to pose for pictures. He also makes his appearances in the Jingle Jungle Parade.

On Christmas Eve, he visits the Walt Disney World Resort Hotels to discuss gift lists and provide photo opportunities.

Families with small children who have decided to spend Christmas at Walt Disney World will often arrange for packages to be shipped to their resort hotel to ensure that there are lots of toys and goodies on Christmas morning!

Disney gives dog lovers a lot to smile about.  Great dogs are not only the stars of many animated features, but they pop up in unexpected places at every Disney destination.  We thought we’d share a few of our favorites!

The famous jailhouse dog delights us in Pirates of the Caribbean.

Everyone feels a tug of sympathy seeing the poor little emaciated pup slinking by in the gloomy graveyard of the Haunted Mansion.

Although he’s not very furry, RoboDog at Space Mountain certainly has more than his share of personality.

Visitors to Downtown Disney always enjoy seeing the wonderful Lego dogs strolling along the sidewalk.

Our top pick?  The sweet dog in the Carousel of Progress who stays by his master’s side through generations of kitchens, his head bobbing and his tail wagging softly.

Those looking for something unique can skip over to Downtown Disney and jump on Characters in Flight. Soaring 400 feet in the air, the tethered balloon offers a glorious panorama of the Disney property for many miles.  Up to 29 passengers are welcomed aboard for a one-of-a-kind view. Unlike the usual hot-air balloons, this helium-filled model doesn’t require a noisy heater, and guests can enjoy a tranquil experience floating above the ground. It’s fun to pick out familiar landmarks from a completely new perspective high in the sky.  The pilot, certified by the FAA, is happy to point out famous sights up to ten miles in the distance.

On windy days, the maximum capacity is reduced and flights may be cancelled due to inclement weather.  Consider going when there’s a bit of a breeze as fewer passengers make for better viewing.  Keep in mind that the “night flights” are completely different from the daylight voyages and worth another ride!

Characters in Flight

Downtown Disney

Daily 9:00 a.m. to midnight, weather permitting

Approximately 8 to 10 minutes

$18.00 adults

$12.00 children ages 3 to 9

No Disney vacation would be complete without ice cream and we’ve compiled a short list of favorite frozen snacks.

• Step into the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor in the Magic Kingdom for an old-fashioned cone, ice cream float, or our favorite, the Plaza Ice Cream Sundae.  You can watch them making the waffle bowls that will be filled with all the fixings for a perfect sundae including hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry.  Just down Main Street there’s a small side “street” with tables and chairs at the back; seldom busy and the perfect spot to enjoy your treat. 

• Don’t forget the classic – Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar.  Every Disney  vacation should include a minimum daily requirement of this traditional favorite.  With its hard chocolate shell and creamy vanilla center, it’s the quintessential taste of Disney.

• At Downtown Disney, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain offers a fabulous selection of cones, shakes, and floats, and an irresistible menu of specialty sundaes including the Cable Car and Haight AshBerry.  Bring a few friends and dive into the eight-scoop Earthquake.

• We don’t know if it’s the best ice cream sundae ever, but it’s definitely the best place ever to enjoy that sundae; The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant.  Cool ice cream, cool cars, cool vintage movie clips – does it get any better than this?

• We’ve saved the best for last; yes kids, it’s the Kitchen Sink!  With eight scoops of ice cream, an entire can of whipped cream, and every cookie, cake, sauce, and sprinkled topping that’s available, this is not for the faint of heart.  Don’t expect to indulge without an  audience, either, as announcements will be made to alert  everyone in the place to your group’s gluttony.

To make a Walt Disney World vacation stand out from the rest, consider adding one of these enhancements:

Tours

From an hour-long stroll Behind the Seeds, to the all-day Backstage Magic extravaganza, guests can choose from a number of programs that offer an in-depth look at what makes Disney, well…Disney.

Designed for a variety of age groups and interests, tours might involve a treasure hunt through the Magic Kingdom, an overview of the holiday decorations, or a swim with the sharks.  Many provide a rare peek behind the curtain at the incredible infrastructure and efforts that support the onstage experience for millions of guests each year.

Cirque du Soleil

Few productions on earth are more mesmerizing than a Cirque du Soleil performance, and the show at Walt Disney World, La Nouba, may well be the very best of them all.

There are truly no bad seats in the dedicated theater at Downtown Disney and their somewhat expensive price tag is an investment in the extraordinary.  The swirling colors, music, and unbelievable physical feats will astonish and delight.

Private Car Service

While you can’t beat the price of Disney’s Magical Express (free!), there’s no better way to start your Walt Disney World vacation off on the right foot than an airport meet-and-greet.  As you wearily disembark from a long plane ride, your driver is waiting with a smile, a helping hand with the luggage,  and a private car ready to whisk you directly to your destination.

Our hands-down favorite is Sunray Transportation, a company which not only offers great pricing, but the very best service of its kind that we have experienced.  Prompt and friendly with meticulously-maintained vehicles and car seats for the kids on request, they will even schedule a complimentary 30-minute stop at the grocery store to stock up on snacks.

It’s one of those niceties that quickly become necessities!

Spa Treatment

Yes, Walt Disney World is all about kids but it’s also about adults – after all, it’s everyone’s vacation.  What better way to indulge than with a rejuvenating treatment at the Grand Floridian Spa with its citrusy offerings, or the Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs featuring decidedly woodsy themes. There are romantic couples’ massages, a variety of facial and body therapies, hand and foot treatments, even special experiences for guests as young as four.  After several frenetic park days, a spa appointment is something to be savored – indulge.

EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival Event

Each fall, the World Showcase at EPCOT becomes a tasteful showplace for world cuisine.  Booths and pavilions feature specialties from every continent, and visitors can sample the foods and beverages of many countries and enjoy complimentary demonstrations and tastings during the Festival’s six-week run.

Those guests looking for a really memorable experience can make reservations for some of the very special programs offered throughout the Festival.  Options include seminars with celebrity chefs, wine schools, and a variety of fabulous dining experiences.  The competition for the limited tickets to these exclusive events is fierce, and prices can be daunting, but they draw a devoted crowd year after year.

Our friend Vanessa Guzan has caught some great HM’s, but this just might be the best one ever!  Find it in the Rainforest Café at Downtown Disney.