Play and Dine at Hollywood and Vine

When it’s time to break bread with giant, plush Playhouse Disney characters, it’s time to go Play and Dine at Hollywood and Vine.

That’s right folks, this is your opportunity to make your kids’ favorite TV stars come to life…and eat breakfast, too!

Atmosphere
Hollywood & Vine is located in the beautiful Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. Shades of mauve and aluminum chairs are the most descriptive decor, but there are some great photos of old Hollywood, along with some pretty fantastic murals [Read more…]

Popcorn Personalities

By AJ 14 Comments

Popcorn is a staple in Disney parks, and while the buttery, salty treat is always a pleasure, Disneyland has a few personalities who make it especially so.

Tour through the Disneyland popcorn carts to see a few hardworking Cast Members churning the popcorn and making sure it’s extra special. Of course, they’re all dressed appropriately based on the “land” where they’re working — Walt wouldn’t have it any other way.

Main Street USA

Main Street Popcorn Man

Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland Popcorn Kiosk

The Rocketeer Popcorn Man

There are more… [Read more…]

Disney World Free Dining Extended Through December 21, 2010

By AJ 11 Comments

Yay! The 2010 Free Dining promotion has again been extended into December.

Specs

You must book a full-price WDW vacation package, checking in *most nights* on these dates: August 15 – October 7, 2010, October 22-October 28, 2010, November 12-18, 2010, November 27 – December 2, 2010 and December 10-21, 2010.
You must stay at least three consecutive nights at an official Walt Disney World hotel (i.e., a hotel that is owned and operated by Walt Disney World) and at least a 2-day theme park ticket.
If you stay in a Value Resort: You’ll receive the Magic Your way Plus Quick Service Dining package for the price of a standard Magic Your Way package. You can upgrade to the regular Dining Plan for $10 per adult per night and $2 per child (age 3-9) per night, or you can upgrade to the Deluxe Dining Plan for $40 per adult per night and $12 per child per night.
If you stay in a Moderate, Deluxe, or Villas Resort: You’ll receive the Magic Your Way Plus Dining package for the price of a standard Magic Your Way package. You can upgrade to the Deluxe Dining Plan for $30 per adult per night and $10 per child per night most nights. Upgrade cost if you’re staying between December 17-21 is $25 per adult per night and $9 per child per night.
This offer must be booked by August 14, 2010, and the number of packages is limited (so book fast!)
Note: As long as you check in during a dedicated free dining period, you will have free dining throughout your stay — even if your stay extends into a black-out period.

To learn more about Disney World’s Dining Plans, check out our Disney World Dining Plans reference page!

To learn more about how to make dining reservations in Walt Disney World, check out our Advanced Dining Reservations reference page!

Guest Review: Tusker House Lunch With Finding Nemo Package

By AJ 6 Comments

UPDATE

: When Tusker House switched to a character meal for lunch in 2011, the Finding Nemo Package seating was discontinued. As always, things change often in Disney, so be sure to ask your reservations agent for details.
__________________________
I am so pleased to bring you this post by guest author Michele (also known as @MyMuse18 on the twitter) all about Animal Kingdom’s Tusker House Finding Nemo package (i.e. — book lunch at Tusker House and get reserved seating at the Finding Nemo Musical. Take it away, Michele!

After my fun-filled Backstage Safari tour, a Hidden Mickey hunt through Camp Minnie-Mickey, and strolling through Asia, it was time for my dining reservation at Tusker House! By making a reservation between 1:00-1:45pm specifically, I also received a reserved seating voucher for the 3:15 showing of “Finding Nemo: The Musical.”

I checked in at the outdoor podium and had just enough time to watch a dance lesson. One of the dancers even posed for me!

Dance Lesson at Tusker House

A Dancer Poses for Michele

After watching all this dancing excitement, I went into the waiting area behind Tusker House and [Read more…]

The Five Best Steaks in Disney World

By AJ 69 Comments

Have you ever wondered what the best steaks in Disney World are? Well, you’re in the right place!

The Boathouse steak, served medium-rare

If you’re all about some great beef, there are some unique and incredibly tasty options in Disney World — you just have to know here to look. Just note that this post isn’t about the best steakhouses in Disney World — that’s another post altogether!

[Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: July 4th, 2010

By AJ 4 Comments

Happy July 4th

Happy Independence Day!

The big news this week is: Only 90 days until the 2010 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival begins!! I’ve re-vamped the 2010 Epcot Food and Wine Festival page to be even more useful for your planning. (Breaking news, including the new info on the Grand Marnier Tasting event, is at the top of the page.)

Also, don’t forget that the new Taste of Africa Street Party is slated to begin this week in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. AND those Downtown Disney cooking classes are calling your name on July 10th!

Finally, stay tuned this week for more info about the WDW Foodie Fest meet-up on October 3rd, 2010!! Save the date!

Now, on to the round-up!

Food Finds With Robin showcases some delicious photography that captures some sweet treats in Disneyland.

Main Street Gazette takes us to Cafe Rix in Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

A Taste of Disney whips up a batch of Le Cellier’s Beer and Cheese Soup in this cool video. He also gives you the recipe if you’d like to make it at home.

The OC Register reports that Disneyland Resort’s liquor license has been updated to allow special bar set-ups for this summer’s Glow Fest in Disney California Adventure.

Chip and Co takes a look at casual dining options in the Magic Kingdom.

Disney Shawn checks out Surf Doggies in Typhoon Lagoon.

The Daily Disney shares the recipe for Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli from California Grill. Yum!

All Ears Net has a fun photo gallery of the Polynesian Resort’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show.

Theme Park Insider has announced the winners for the 9th Annual Theme Park Insider Awards. Bistro de Paris and Chefs de France have taken top spots in the running! See Orlando Restaurant Guru Scott Joseph’s take here.

The Disney Parks Blog posted some great stories this week, from the wonderful (Coffee With Walt) to the helpful (Top 5 Restaurants Where You Get the Most for Your Money) to the delicious (Sweet Treats for Summer)!

photo source: burgers

Cooking Classes for Adults at Downtown Disney July 10, 2010

By AJ Leave a Comment

Portobello

, Fulton’s Crab House, and Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe are hosting a one day, progressive adults-only cooking class on Saturday, July 10th, 2010.

Where: Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe, Fulton’s Crab House, and Portobello in Disney World’s Downtown Disney
When: The progressive class will take place from 11 AM to 2:00 PM
Pricing: $59.95 per person

Adults will learn how make the restaurant’s signature recipes and will enjoy their own creations with complementing wine pairings.

Specs and Menu:

Wolfgang Puck Café
o Maryland Style Crab Cakes
o Paired with Concerto Grunerveltliner

Fulton’s Crab House
o St. Augustine, Florida Yellowtail Snapper
o En Papillote with Julienne Vegetables, lemon and Fresh Thyme
o Paired with Fulton’s White Wine

Portobello
o Panna Cotta with Florida Peaches
o Paired with Oltrepo Pavese Muscato Dolce

Space is limited and reservations are recommended by calling 407-828-8996.

Details on Grand Marnier Tasting at 2010 Epcot Food & Wine Festival

By AJ 2 Comments

Scott Joseph Orlando

is reporting a few more details on the Grand Marnier Tasting events that are scheduled to be part of the 2010 Epcot Food and Wine Festival‘s Taste, Shake, and Indulge series this year.

When: Saturdays in October from 2:30-4:30 PM at Bistro de Paris in Epcot’s France Pavilion.
What: The seminars will consist of tasting a full range of Grand Marnier liqueurs and a mini-class on how to shake and muddle Grand Marnier cocktails. Guests will be treated to Bistro de Paris-prepared flambeed crepes Suzette and frozen souffle glace.
Pricing: Cost will be $45 per person, including tax. Epcot admission is required and must be paid separately.
To Book: Call 407-WDW-FEST after 7AM on July 20th, 2010.

Be sure to check out our 2010 Epcot Food and Wine Festival page for more information and breaking news about this year’s events.

Dine at Harryhausen’s

By AJ 4 Comments

In honor of Imaginerding’s tribute to Ray Harryhausen, I thought it only fitting to do my own tribute…a la Monstropolis.

You’ll recall, of course, that Harryhausen’s was the place to dine in Pixar’s Monster’s Inc., and where Mike [Read more…]

Friday Happy Hour: Tune-In Lounge

By AJ 8 Comments

Every once in a while I like to take a look at a favorite secret spot, and today — in honor of Friday Happy Hour — we’re headed to Tune In Lounge.

This super-friendly lounge is tucked between 50’s Prime Time Cafe and Hollywood and Vine Restaurants in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Disney World.

While it shares its main seating area — Dad’s Living Room(s) — with the waiting area for 50’s Prime Time Cafe (con!), it has all kinds of kitschy-fabulous decor that will either remind you of your growing-up-years or your favorite episodes from early Nick at Nite (pro!).

One of Dad's Living Rooms

I can highly recommend getting there early — around 11am — and taking a look around the place. With several seating areas and “living rooms” to choose from, you’ll be able to take in [Read more…]

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