There's Room for a 1000

Welcome everyone to another installment of Disney Magic Mondays, here at The Magical Mystery Blog.

The weeks of summer are winding down and there’s still some Disney wisdom to be given.  This week I will be covering something extremely important to all Walt Disney World vacationers.  When booking a Disney trip, you will notice that Disney World has tons of hotel options to choose from. The lodgings are categorized in to fit what you can afford.  Whether this is your first time or your tenth time, you question what hotel will provide you with the best experience. With so many options, it can be a bit overwhelming and confusing.

In my thirteen years at Disney, I've stayed at different resorts because of my curiosity. I always like to stay at new places if I go to the same place year after year. Below are my best hotels for each category.

Best Luxury Resort

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The Contemporary – with tons of rooms to choose from, you’ll be relaxing in a classy, futuristic style.  Just outside the Magic Kingdom, this hotel is ahead of its time with a ultra-modern feel sporting the iconic mouse ears everywhere you go. This was the first hotel I stayed at and it won me over with its sleek interior and unique exterior.

Restaurants – this hotel has a little bit of everything including casual dining, fine dining, character dining, quick service, and grab and go. I've always loved to dine at Chef Mickey’s for breakfast because the first meal of the day should include pancakes, bacon, more bacon, Goofy, and Minnie Mouse. Then at dinner, I loved to dine at the California Grill because nothing says vacation like devouring a steak while watching fireworks from the roof of your hotel.

Transportation – the monorail is always seen darting through this hotel and picking up passengers while shuttles wait for people just outside the entrance. The monorail stops at the other hotels in the Magic Kingdom proximity, the Transportation and Ticket Center, and the Magic Kingdom itself. You can also walk to the Magic Kingdom. 

Something special – at night you can go out onto the pool area (or from your room's window or balcony) and watch the Water Parade. Floating canopies shaped to look like aquatic dragons, Poseidon, seahorses, mermaids, and many others are bejeweled in light. This parade happens every clear night and is a treat for the eyes.  You can also see fireworks over the Magic Kingdom at night from the higher up sections of the hotel, including the California Grill.

Villas – Luxury resorts like the Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and many others include villas. The villas are the crème of the crop when it comes to rooming but they are expensive ranging from $352 at the Animal Kingdom Resort to $540 at the Grand Floridian. Moderate and Value hotels do not have this option. 

Best Moderate Resort

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Port Orleans – staying in the South has never been so wonderful. This is personally my favorite hotel because it gives you two sides to choose from: The French Quarter and the Riverside. Both sides cost the same and are located in the Downtown Disney area.  The Riverside highlights the classic Southern charm while the French Quarter is a regal Mardi Gras.

Restaurants – there are no fine dining or character dining options here. However, there are food courts, lounges, in room dining, and quick service locations aplenty.

Transportation – this hotel has a little dock which you can take a boat to the Downtown Disney section. If you easily get motion sickness or have a phobia of boats, you can also take their buses to any of the parks, and Downtown Disney.

Something Special – not too long ago, some of the rooms at this moderate hotel have received an upgrade to fit royalty. For an extra hundred, the Riverside offers Royal Guest Rooms which are themed to look like a room a Disney princess would relax in. The French Quarter does not have this option because it is already themed to look like a royal Mardi Gras.

Best Value Resort

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Pop Century – staying at this hotel is like vacationing in a time capsule because you’re surrounded by pop culture from the 50s and onward. This blast from the past of a resort is rated as one of Disney’s best Value resorts due to the close proximity of the buildings, excellent bus service, great food, and overall layout.

Restaurants – this resort also has no fine dining, signature dining, or character dining. However, it does offer a food court serving up tons of delicious choices for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. You can also purchase snacks like chips, cereal, and even beer for your room. The Pop Century hotel also presents the option of in room dining where you can order pizza or whatever else your stomach craves.

Transportation – buses offer quick rides to all the parks in Walt Disney World.

Something Special – this resort also ranks as one of the largest accommodations on Disney property. There are five sections to this hotel: 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s. All the rooms, walking areas, pools, and even quick service locations are designed to fit their specific era depending on where they’re located.

All of the resorts I have mentioned include an arcade, a laundry room, and other amenities. These hotels are extremely accommodating and have a unique theme to make them stand out from other resorts. Every hotel is distinct from its food courts to its pools and everything in between.

Since next week is the last Monday of August, I will be covering something that I hope will inspire you to take a Disney trip of your own. Until then, just keep swimming. 

Enough I'm Full!

Greetings everyone and welcome to another Disney Magic Monday here at The Magical Mystery Blog.

Wrapping up the best of eateries is the expensive restaurants. People on vacation like to enjoy their time at their destination and indulge in the finer things. They like to go to the fanciest place and live it up to the best of their ability. Walt Disney World houses tons of expensive eateries in their parks. Most of these places accept the Disney Dining Plan and require reservations by Internet or phone. The reservations are usually made between 90 – 180 days prior to time of visitation. As for attire, it’s best to dress to the nines because it shows classiness and elegance. Plus at some places listed here, it's a requirement.

While there are hotels that have expensive restaurants, this week I will be focusing on the parks. Below are fantastic expensive restaurants in Walt Disney World Parks.

First up is the Magic Kingdom.

                1)      Cinderella’s Royal Table – when dining with royalty, prepare your wallet for its royal burial. Located in the heart of Cinderella’s Castle, this is one of the more expensive character dining experiences. In my thirteen years of Disney I always tried to make reservations at this eatery (because who doesn't love breaking bread with princesses) but I found it was always booked.

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And all these tables are for the royal help. Every single last one.

The menu here is a mix of chicken, fish, and beef at a high price. Included with your dinner is a character meet and greet with Cinderella herself who poses for pictures and signs autographs before dinner is served. There are various package options for the size of your dining party and even the children get a surprise toy from Cinderella. Throughout your dining experience, other princesses and royal beings float about the room creating memories and smiles wherever they go.

Second is Hollywood Studios.

                2)       The Hollywood Brown Derby – get ready to step into the yesteryear of Hollywood in this classy restaurant. Found on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard, this eatery will make you forget you’re dining in Disney. The menu here also has various choices of meat (including bison), fish, and poultry served with a flare of elegance.

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Look at the flare. LOOK AT IT!

However, this restaurant is almost always booked. Like other expensive restaurants at Walt Disney World, it’s best to make your reservations ahead in advance. That way you’ll have a seat at the finest dining location Walt Disney World has to offer. This restaurant is also included in the Fantasmic package. This deal allows you to dine at The Hollywood Brown Derby, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italino, or Hollywood & Vine and receive priority seating for Fantasmic. Fantasmic is an outdoor show that during your stay at Walt Disney World, you do NOT (it's emphasized that much because it's just that great of a show) want to miss. This plan is always offered at a fixed price and you must make your reservations up to ninety days in advance. 


Third is EPCOT.

                 3)      Monsier Paul – bonjour, mon amie and welcome to the classiest French restaurant Disney has to boot. Found in the France section of the World Showcase, this is not your average bistro.  Originally called Bistro de Paris, this eatery changed its name in December 2012 as a homage to Monsieur Paul Bocuse; one of the culinary geniuses behind this restaurant. Unfortunately though, this dining place isn't vegetarian friendly because most, if not all dishes, are served with some sort of meat. Needless to say, the food here is as splendid as the City of Lights itself.

           4)      Le Cellier Steakhouse – considered to be one of Disney’s most booked restaurants, Le Cellier is a Canadian restaurant that strives to satisfy your stomach. Found in the Canada Pavilion of the World Showcase, the menu here specializes in meat, chicken, and fish prepared in a Canadian style.

           5)      Akershus Royal Banquet Hall – remember Cinderella’s Royal Table? That’s basically what this is only in the Norway Pavilion of the World Showcase.  This restaurant also includes meets and greets with princesses and one supercalifragilisticexpialidocious lady. You also receive photo packages based on the size of your party but you can also purchase more photos. Just like Cinderella’s Royal Table, your photos will be delivered to you while you dine.

Fourth is Animal Kingdom.


Sadly, I could find no expensive restaurants here. Some of you may protest and claim that The Rainforest Café is one but I included that in my moderately priced restaurants. Animal Kingdom mostly consists of counter service, fast food, and moderately priced restaurants.


Last but not least, Downtown Disney.

               6)   Fulton’s Crab House – be prepared to go on a seafood diet at this grand restaurant. Floating in the harbor of Pleasure Island, this ferry boat houses the best of lobster, shrimp, flounder, and every other creature under the sea.  While the main food here is seafood, Fulton’s Crab House (or boat in this case) has chicken and meat for those who hate the taste of fish on their tongue. A little trivia for those Disney lovers out there, the riverboat used for Fulton’s was originally a gift from Walt Disney to his wife, Lily. Cause nothing says ‘I love you darling’ like an ivory ferry boat.

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Somewhere, beyond the sea...she's there...waiting for me....

             7)   Wolfgang Puck Café – food created by the famous chef awaits you at this restaurant. Across from the Virgin Megastore and next to Bongo’s Cuban Café, be prepared to taste some excellent cuisine. Fish, meat, and chicken appear on the menu but there seems to be more seafood served in different forms like sashimi and tartare.

            8)     Portobello Country – ciao mi amici, ready to pay a visit to the Old World? Right next door to Fulton’s Crab House, this Italian restaurant will make you believe you’re eating at a villa in Tuscany.  You can request a table by the water where you can stare up at the glimmering lights of Fulton’s while you dine on classic Italian dishes like pizza, pasta, chicken, and more.

And so we've come to the end of yet another Disney Magic Monday entry. If you enjoy what you’re reading, please give feedback and see you Friday.  

Be Our Guest

Greetings everyone and welcome to another edition of Disney Magic Monday.

As the day grows later, the stomach grows hungrier. One glance at a clock and suddenly it’s supper time. This week I will be tackling the best moderately priced, table service restaurants throughout the parks. I’m only highlighting these in this entry because in the weeks to come I will be featuring the best counter service places and expensive eateries. I also find that more families attend the moderately priced restaurants to not only have a nice night out but to squeeze in a few souvenirs for the trip home. 

Just one more pair of mouse ears....

Reservations are highly recommended for these restaurants so it’s best to make them before you go. Most of these places also accept the Disney Dining Plan so prepare to come on an empty stomach and eat to your heart’s content. 

First up, the Magic Kingdom.

      1)      Tony’s Town Square – on any bella notte, you can have Italian dishes at this restaurant based on the Disney classic, Lady and the Tramp. Located next to the Exposition Hall near the entrance of the Magic Kingdom, I personally recommend the classic lasagna dish for dinner and the Pistachio Crème Brulee for dessert. It sounds strange but it will create stars in your eyes and a place in your heart.

      2)      Be Our Guest – put this new restaurant’s service to the test, believe me everything here is delicious. I've heard gratuitous reviews about this place and based on the appearance and menu I can trust them. However, I was conflicted whether to put this one in the expensive restaurant entry or today’s entry. I put it here because it has moderately priced dishes with the exception of one pricey dish – much like you would find at any other restaurant.

Seated in the New Fantasyland you dine in the Beast’s ballroom, West Wing, or the Rose Gallery with the master roaming around every so often.  This restaurant also doubles as a counter service area during lunch time. While I haven’t dined here yet, I've heard positive notes about the Sauteed Shrimp and scallops.

Second, Downtown Disney. I am including this one because it houses tons of moderately priced, table service restaurants.

      3)      Crossroads at the House of Blues – as a Jersey girl, I've been to Atlantic City’s House of Blues. That seaside version of the famous restaurant is nothing when compared to the one in Downtown Disney. I’m not sure what it is to be honest but the food is amazing and it has become a family tradition to eat here every year. I would always order what I call the Triple Soul Dinner which was a combination of their Margarita Pizza, Sweet Potato fries, and Cornbread with maple syrup. However, since my last visit in 2009 the House of Blues menu has changed just a tiny bit to add some Mexican flare. They now serve quesadillas, tacos, and other traditional dishes. This restaurant is across from Cirque du Soleil La Nouba (also known as the giant white tent) in the West Side of Downtwon Disney.

      4)      Cap’n Jack’s – feel like getting high tonight? You’ll receive a highly enjoyable plate of food and service at this restaurant. Located in the Marketplace on the docks, this is your typical seafood restaurant. Rest assured though they do serve pasta, chicken, and other non-sea based foods. They make a fantastic pina colada (virgin or dirty) and I highly recommend that.

      5)      Bongo’s Cuban Café – this restaurant is for the daring, the adventurous, and the different. Across from Something Silver in the West Side of Downtown Disney, this restaurant also doubles as counter service at lunch. Featuring a vast amount of Cuban foods and a few bars, you’ll be having the time of your vacation. Personally I recommend the arroz con pollo which comes with a side of plantains and saffron yellow rice.

Third, up is Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

      6)      Sci Fi Dine in Theater – you don’t need the DeLorean to go back to the 1950s but you do need reservations. Seated at the end of Commissary Lane near Muppet Vision 3D, you’ll be transported to the 50s by way of old clips, traditional American food, and servers in roller skates. On a large screen, black and white movie trailers, commercials, and cartoons play for your entertainment.  This year they updated their menu while keeping some of their old dishes. Personally I recommend the fried dill pickles and the All American Picnic Burger.

       7)      Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano –  know what’s good? Pizza. Know what’s even better? Brick oven pizza and that’s exactly what you get at Mama Melrose’s. Brick oven pizzas add an overall soft smokiness to the edible disk with a nice crunch. Of course this little restaurant offers other classic Italian dishes at a moderate price. You can find this seemingly small eatery next to the Premiere Theater, just behind Muppet Vision 3D.

Fourth is EPCOT.

      8)      The Coral Reef – this restaurant is a good catch or a sinker but based with my experiences and reviews, it’s usually a good catch. Located in The Seas with Nemo and Friends, you’ll be surrounded by tanks filled to the brim with fish (and possibly your dinner). You’ll feel as though you’re dining in an octopus’ garden with a seafood based menu that has a few non-fish dishes  I personally recommend the coral reef lobster orecchiette pasta. It’ll have you diving under the sea for more.

      9)      Tutto Italia Ristorante – or in English, “All Italian Restaurant”. Originally this restaurant was Alfredo’s Italian Ristorante but it just received a new look and title. The menu appears to be the same from when I went during Alfredo’s era. Located in the Italy section of Epcot’s World Showcase, this restaurant is nothing but Italian dishes. Personally I suggest the cannoli or mocha tiramisu for dessert and the gnochetti for dinner. Mangiate mi amici!

      10)   Teppan Edo – in the mood for fast food for dinner? Watch as a master chef prepares your Japanese dinner before you in this classic hibachi restaurant located in the Japan section of the World Showcase. Very clean cut and sleek, the chefs will stun you with their cooking shows, and delight you with dinner. This menu is unique because it has a little bit of everything, even vegetables for non-meat lovers. As a big fan of meat and chicken though, I highly recommend the Tori dish which is chicken breast with seasonal vegetables, udon noodles, and steamed rice.

      11)   Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room – pull up a chair in this classic English restaurant found in the United Kingdom section of the World Showcase. The food here is nothing but English which can be a bit dull in comparison to other foods but it is quite delectable. Personally I suggest the slow cooked chicken curry which is mix of both English and Indian cultures.  That way you get a bite of something different from two exotic lands.

      12)   Restaurant Marrakesh – dinner and a show can be found at this Moroccan restaurant located in the Moroccan part of the World Showcase. You’ll be treated as royalty when you feast at this lantern lit eatery. The menu here features classic Moroccan dishes and during your meal, you are treated to the divine belly dancers of Restaurant Marrakesh. I highly recommend the chicken kebabs with the combination appetizer for two and the Moroccan symphony for dessert.

Lastly, there’s the Animal Kingdom.

      13)   The Rainforest Café – I put this one here because you can find it in this park and in Downtown Disney. Surrounded by the sounds and sights of the jungle, your menu is as extensive as the Amazon rain forest. The only downside to this place is that it does not accept the Dining Plan but other than that, it’s a terrific eatery. Found in the entrance of Animal Kingdom you cannot miss the welcoming eyes of animals surrounding the classic logo. For a spicy dish, I suggest the Brave New World entree which is smoky chicken with a variety of cheeses and barbecue sauce.

     

We've come to the conclusion of our theme park feasts. Next time you go to Disney, don’t forget to reserve a spot at any of these moderately priced table service restaurants. Once again feedback and followers are welcome. If you want me to highlight any other Walt Disney World related matter, please leave a comment. Until then, all you need is faith, trust, and pixie dust to make your dreams come true. 

A Whole New World

Greetings everyone and welcome to another installation of Disney Magic Monday here at The Magical Mystery Blog.

With time comes change and a desire for something new, improved, and fantastic. Out with the old and in with the new and for Disney, this is no exception. Disney likes to keep up with the changing times to satisfy its massive population. Below are a few renovations you might not know of that show that Disney is magically changing.

           1)      New Fantasyland – this is the biggest renovation which opened on December 6^th, 2012.  This new location dominates the eastern half of the Magic Kingdom and is based on the Disney princesses. Towering over the rest of the park is Beast’s Castle where the Be Our Guest character dining restaurant presides. This castle also serves as a staple to show the Belle section of the New Fantasyland which includes a meet and greet opportunity with her. I find that there are more eateries when it comes to this new Beauty and the Beast section. Along with Be Our Guest, there are two fast food places, and a tavern.

Oh and also Gaston. Cause no one forgets Gaston!

Next to this is Ariel’s area with her new ride, Journey of the Little Mermaid, and her grotto. While there isn’t much of her, I hope there will be more of Ariel in the future. By next year (or 2015 at the latest), the new Snow White Mine Dwarf coaster will be in full operation, and replace the Snow White’s Scary Adventures ride.  It will be located in the heart of the New Fantasyland and be just like Big Thunder Mt. only with ‘It’s Off to Work We Go’ blasting at every twist and turn. 

However, there are traces of New Fantasyland escalating in the original Fantasyland.  Just behind the castle is another area in construction entitled the Princess Fantasy Hall.  By late 2013, this section will be opened up to the public where thousands can meet Disney princesses such as Cinderella, Aurora, Jasmine, and Snow White. The only downside to this new character meet and greet is that they had to tear down Snow White’s Scary Adventures. Towards the end of original Fantasyland, just before Liberty Square, visitors are introduced to another new aspect of New Fantasyland. Looming over the Haunted Mansion in all its royal glory is Rapunzel’s tower. The area below houses restrooms and a comfortable relaxing area for those who have walked throughout the Magic Kingdom.

          2)      Dumbo – believe it or not, this is the one of the most popular rides in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.  There’s something nostalgic and magical about taking flight on an elephant that children and parents adore. Over the years, this ride has had extremely crowded lines with a usual wait time of 30 – 75 minutes or more (unless you have a Fastpass).  After realizing that having people wait so long for a simple ride, Disney decided to do something about it. In March 2013, the Magic Kingdom opened The Storybook Circus as a part of their new Fantasyland. This particular section features not one but two Dumbo rides, the Barnstormer roller coaster (originally found in Toon Town but they moved it here), a character meet and greet, an indoor playground, and a miniature water play area.

Along with this new area, Disney also created a new way to board the Dumbo ride. As opposed to standing around and waiting for the line to gradually decline, ride operators now hand out pagers. The pagers flash and vibrate when the next ride is ready for boarding. While parents and children wait for the next available seats on Dumbo, they can relax in the large queue room. That’s right, you don’t have to wait under a canopy anymore. Instead you get to hang out in an air conditioned room themed to look like the big top circus from the Dumbo film. The only downside to this new renovation is that they had to eliminate Toon Town just to build it. 

          3)      Downtown Disney – while this renovation has not been completed yet, it is currently happening as we speak. In 2016, Imagineers are hoping to finish the new Downtown Disney or as it will soon be called, Disney Springs. The Downtown Disney we have all come to know and love, will be replaced by a Southern, Spanish atmosphere. The buildings will be redesigned to fit a Southern celebration theme with architecture similar to the Coronado Springs Disney resort.
 

      Disney Springs will also have separated sections, one for the overall marketplace (yes most of the stores will still be there including the Lego Shop and Once Upon a Toy), one for dining, and one for something else. Disney Springs was initially supposed to be the makeover of Pleasure Island but the Imagineers decided to take it a step further. Pleasure Island, I believe will also be a part of the renovation. 

           4)      Big Thunder Mt. Railroad – the ride itself did not receive a renovation. However, the queue line did. Since this is a popular coaster of the Magic Kingdom, the lines tend to be crowded. Sometimes the ride can even boast a 45 minute wait. People, especially children, tend to get antsy waiting in line for so long. In an attempt to remedy this, Disney added an interactive queue line which also added a story to the overall ride itself. Unlike EuroDisney where their Big Thunder Mt. story ties in with Phantom Manor’s, the Walt Disney World Big Thunder Mt. has a story all its own. Big Thunder Mt. was once a mining company owned by billionaire, Barnabas T. Bullion.

In his spare time, Mr. Bullion tried to make bouillon cubes out of bullion gold.  

       
As you make your way towards the ride, you venture through Barnabas’ office, tour through an explosives magazine room, and even get to help some of the miners out with their duties. You get to take part in mining activity by setting off some dynamite and even watching miners mine for gold through a subterrascope. This renovated line was completed this year and is in full operation.

          5)      Test Track – as mentioned in last week’s Disney Magic Monday entry, Test Track is a popular ride at EPCOT. On December 6^th, 2012 this Chevrolet sponsored ride was given a new, futuristic look.

You could say it's so futuristic it looks like Tron.

Now you can customize your own car and drive it through the test course. You decide what your car looks like, how it runs, how quick it responds to your command, and how much gas it saves by going green. The entire design phase is all done on a touch screen which gives you a whole new way of creating a car. Once you’re finished crafting your ride, you climb into a test car, and throughout the test run see how well your car does. When the ride is over, a screen will appear and show you how your car did. 

If there’s any information about any Disney Park (Disney World included) you would like to know about, feel free to comment, and I’d be more than happy to respond. Until then, have a little faith, trust, and pixie dust.