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Brought to you by...
John and Donna Gross "The Full Mickey - At a Discount!" The Wall Street Journal
NOTE: News sources remove their articles rather quickly. If you receive a "File Not Found" error message, search the source's archives for the story. The source's URL is posted in its entirety to make it easier to track down the original article and avoid dead links. Be sure to copy and paste the entire URL in your web browser's address window. Certain news organizations require a free registration to view their articles online.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort Recipes
Country Potato and Cabbage Soup Recipe From the Walt Disney World Swan
and Dolphin
Recipe for Crisp Escarole Salad with Garlicky Anchovy Dressing From the
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
Milanese Risotto Recipe From the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Resort
Whole-Wheat Greek Pizza Recipe From the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Resort
Grilled Chicken Recipe From the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Resort
Chocolate Caramel Tart Recipe From the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Resort
Carolina Poulet Rouge Recipe From the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Resort
Tuna Carpaccio Recipe From the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Resort
Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe From the Walt Disney World Swan and
Dolphin
Braised Short Ribs, Potato Silk and Organic Cauliflower recipe from The
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
Gingerbread House recipe from The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Resort
Rosemary Roasted Poussin with Porcini Cream Sauce and Root Vegetable Mash
recipe from The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
Crab Mac & Cheese recipe from The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Resort
Chicken Saltimbocca Sandwich recipe from the Swan and Dolphin
Resort Recipe for Chianti Risotto with Radicchio served at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts: http://www.swandolphin.com/recipeclub/0808print.html For the recipe for Sweet and Spicy Ribs served at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts, see: http://www.swandolphin.com/recipeclub/0708print.html For the recipe for Grilled Pineapple and Chicken Salad served at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts, see: http://www.swandolphin.com/recipeclub/0608print.html
For the recipe for Chilled Carrot and Orange Soup from the Walt Disney
World Swan and Dolphin Resort, see:
For the recipe for the Atlantic Seafood Bowl served at the Walt Disney
World Swan and Dolphin Resort, see:
For the recipe for Rack Lamb, Gyro Flavor from the kitchens of the
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, see:
For the recipe for Calamari Alla Toscana at the Walt Disney World
Swan and Dolphin Resort, see:
For the Macadamia Nut Crusted Snapper recipe from the the Walt Disney
World Swan and Dolphin Resort, see: For the Christmas Sugar Cookies recipe from the Walt Disney World's Swan and Dolphin Resort, see: http://www.swandolphin.com/recipeclub/1207print.html For the recipe for Lemon Crème Brûlée from the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts, see: http://www.swandolphin.com/recipeclub/0907print.html
For the Gingerbread recipe from Walt Disney World's Swan and Dolphin
Resort, see:
Character Dining is back at the Magic Kingdom's Liberty Tree Tavern Jan. 3, 2010 through Feb. 15, 2010. The Crystal Palace will be closed for refurbishing during the same period. (Source: Disney email blast, 11/03/09)
Beth, our travel agent, writes about 2010 Disney dining: "Don’t panic if your favorite restaurants don’t yet appear on the 2010 dining plan list. There are always a few that wait to renew their contracts until the last possible minute (most notably, a few of the Epcot locations). There’s no reason at this point to think that the 2009 participants won’t all be back next year. And speaking of dining… The 2010 Quick Service plan cost is up $1 for kids (ages 3-9) and $3 for adults to $9.99 and $31.99 respectively. The Basic plan has a more complicated pricing. In value and regular seasons the cost increases $1 for children, $3 for adults, to $11.99 and $41.99 respectively. During peak, summer and holiday seasons the rates are $5 more for adults and $1 more for kids. The cost of the Deluxe plan remains the same as this year: $20.99 for children and $71.99 for adults. Inclusions for the plans are the same as this year EXCEPT that children will now get an appetizer with lunch or dinner at full-service locations. Gratuities are still not included."
Beth, our travel agent, writes about Disney dining reservations: "Now that the kinks are (mostly) worked out of the online dining reservation system, Disney will revert to allowing dining reservations 180 days out starting on October 27. And speaking on online reservations, I still maintain that the process is rather slow and tedious. If you have time to kill – or you’re sitting on a never-ending phone hold with the dining people – then go for it. In fact, you can even start an hour earlier than the call center does (6AM eastern time), but I personally would aim for doing just one or two reservations in that session (the places that are hardest to get) and then call at 7AM. Special note: be sure if you’re doing it online you check out after about 20-25 minutes because your session will TIME out after 30 minutes and you’ll lose everything in your cart. (I know this from personal experience!) Once you’ve confirmed the first group by checking out you can go back in and start again with your second group of reservations."
The Laughs Are Still Fresh After More than 35 Years and 34,400 Performances
at ‘Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue’
Children’s Miracle Network Classic Creates Innovative Wine &
Dine Walk Along Walt Disney World Fairways
Changes aim to make Disney restaurants more pleasant, profitable
Opa! Kouzzina by Cat Cora officially opens at Disney's Boardwalk
Chef Dee Foundoukis -- Kouzzina by Cat Cora
Disney Animal Kingdom Yak & Yeti vegetarian
Dining is Part of the Show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Magic Kingdom Eats: From Quick Bites to Lunch with a Princess
Picnic in Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney updating menus and dining rooms
New Waterfront Eatery Opens at Downtown Disney Early May 2009 LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Paradiso 37, a high-energy restaurant and bar featuring cuisine from North, South and Central America, welcomes guests to its table in May at Pleasure Island at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort. The lakeside eatery will offer a delectable variety of menu offerings representing the 37 countries of the Americas, plus an international wine bar, 37 varieties of tequila and 10 signature frozen margaritas. The new concept was developed by Orlando-based E-Brands Restaurant Group, a multi-concept restaurant group which currently owns and operates Timpano Chophouse, Samba Room, Taqueria Canonita, Aquaknox, David Burke, Salsa Orlando and Canonita Express in a number of locations across the United States. The lively Downtown Disney restaurant will feature nightly entertainment and will be open daily from 11 a.m. until late night. (Source: Press Release, 04/08/09)
Sanaa Brings Flavors of India, Africa To Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Fans of Jiko-The Cooking Place and Boma-Flavors of Africa have a new reason to dine at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge as Sanaa debuts May 1 in the resort’s new Kidani Village expansion. The new Walt Disney World restaurant’s unusual name, pronounced "Sah-NAH," is the Swahili word for "artwork." With interiors inspired by African art and remarkable views of the resort’s Sunset Savannah through 9-foot windows, diners experience "the art of African cooking with Indian flavors" in the 150-seat, family-oriented restaurant located on the ground floor just below the lobby. Sanaa’s cuisine is a melting pot of tastes from the islands of the Indian Ocean that all are part of Africa - Zanzibar, the Seychelles, Comoro Islands, Mauritius and Madagascar. “ "These islands were on important trade routes with influences from French, Portuguese, Dutch, British, Arab and Chinese traders," said Chef Bob Getchell. "The diverse spices and flavors give us an endless array of options for Sanaa." The most indelible mark on the cuisine of the region was made by Indian traders who introduced curries, spice blends and breads. Central to African-Indian cuisine is the use of the tandoor oven, essentially a large clay pot similar to a pizza oven. The tandoor provides very high, dry heat that creates a crisp outer layer and moist interior. Along with meats, a favorite tandoor oven treat is the Indian bread naan, which is slapped directly onto the oven’s clay walls and allowed to bake until puffy and lightly browned. The Sanaa kitchen will have two custom tandoor ovens. Specialties include tandoori chicken, lamb and shrimp, slow-cooked curries, and braised short ribs. "Don’t think of curry as spicy," said Chef Getchell, "but as a centuries-old cooking method that allows flavors to fully develop in the meats, vegetables, and sauces." The base blend of seasonings for Sanaa’s curries include cardamom, chiles, cinnamon, cloves, saffron, coriander, nutmeg, fennel seed, cumin, tamarind, turmeric and more. The turmeric is what gives many curry dishes their characteristic yellow color. Appetizers such as lamb kefta with tamarind-dried papaya sauce, and unusual salads like okra, radishes and tomato, roasted beets, and carrot, orange and mint start the dining experience. Entrées include the tandoori-roasted meats, curries, and sides such as dahl (stewed lentils), curried crushed potatoes, stir-fried green beans and slow-cooked spinach and paneer (a mild South Asian cheese). Indian style flatbreads including naan, roti, and paratha are paired with chutneys, Indian style pickles and raita (yogurt-based dip). For guests who prefer more American flavors, there is a grilled pork chop and club sandwich at lunch, and grilled flank steak at dinner. Sweets are the final adventure, including mango pudding, cardamom-butter cake, papaya with sea salt and lime and vanilla-coconut rice pudding. The restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and from 5-9 p.m. An adjacent 24-seat lounge serves African wines, beer and spirits. For reservations, call 407/WDW-DINE. Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is part of Disney Vacation Club. (Source: Press Release, 03/31/09)
Revisiting Fantasmic! dinner package at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Food for Thought: Universal's BK WHOPPER Bar opens, "Ratatouille" animatronic
arrives at Epcot and Character Dining returns to the Liberty Tree
Tavern
More parents feed their kids apples instead of fries at Disney
parks
Disney World's wine market no Mickey Mouse story
Disney World cafe puts fare at diners' fingertips
Disney Dining Plan Can Be Good Deal For Family
The whole family can dig in at Disney's T-Rex Cafe
Disney's menu change is good for the goose, not the gourmet
Disney's new dinosaur-themed restaurant opens
Review of the new Wave restaurant at the Contemporary resort: good
intentions, some good food, problems with staff and ambiance. |
Resources
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Beth, our travel agent, writes: WHAT'S UP WITH DISNEY DINING??? I know I mentioned it before, but just to reiterate: Disney is changing the dining reservation system to enable you to book dining online. In preparation for that change-over (tentatively scheduled to debut in November) reservations cannot currently be made beyond February 22. The change does not effect Victoria & Albert's, Cinderella's Royal Table, and Chef Mickey's; you will still be able to book those 180 days in advance by calling 1-407-WDW-DINE. Once the new system is up and running, the 180 day rule will return for the rest of the dining venues. Also, please, please, please don't forget to make your dining reservations as early as possible. That means as soon as you know that you'll be traveling to Disney World. If you wait until you arrive you will have little (if anything) to choose from, particularly over busy periods. Reservations are needed for ALL character meals, dinner shows, and sit-down meal locations whether you have a dining plan or not! I cannot stress this enough. (I know, I know... You didn't make reservations for your trip five years ago and getting in was no problem. Well, things have changed. MAKE RESERVATIONS!)"
Cynthia writes: "Dear John, As promised, here is our review of the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Review dinner show. We had a party of five, all adults, mothers/daughters and friends. We had category 2 seating and could see the stage pretty well. The show is absolutely slap-stick and cornball humor; but, with our group of ladies it was great fun. The singer/dancers are very talented and do a good job delivering their corny lines and moving the show along. They also interact with the audience and leave the stage from time to time to put the spot light on an audience member and provide him/her with a friendly moment of embarrassment... it’s all in fun and everyone seemed to enjoy it. The food is terrific. When you get to your table you’ll find a cool bowl of salad and a hot slab of cornbread awaiting you. Both are very good, but the cornbread was exceptional. After some music and comedy, the next round is brought out, which consist of fried chicken, baby-back ribs, mashed potatoes, and baked beans. At this point, my only disappointment was that there were no more vegetables to enjoy... I guess the salad is enough for most, but I would’ve liked another veggie on the menu. Even so, everything that was served to us was tasty and perfectly prepared. We had seconds on the ribs, and ate two slabs of cornbread; it was so good! The show resumed as we were finishing up the main course, then we were served strawberry shortcake for dessert. Again, we were surprised at how good it was. Everything we ate had a homemade quality, and we enjoyed all of it. The only negative to our evening at the Hoop Dee Doo, is that we didn’t know that we had to transfer to a bus indie the Ft. Wilderness campground to get there. I was told that we could drive to Pioneer Hall for the show, and envisioned a different scenario. When we got to Ft. Wilderness there was a parking lot and a kennel, and no real signage to direct us. We drove to another entrance to be told that we needed to go back there and catch a bus to the Hoop Dee Doo Review. Because of the confusion we were behind schedule, and some of our group literally had to run to catch the bus while the last two came as quickly as possible with a wheelchair. If you’re planning to attend, give yourself plenty of time for the bus transfer. All in all, the Hoop Dee Doo Review turned out to be a highlight of our trip. We had dined at Narcoosee’s (another highlight) the night before, and we laughed about how different the two evenings were. Both enjoyable, in differing ways, and both we will do again."
Anna writes:
This has really become a big problem. On our last vacation we could find nothing available without a reservation - no matter how late! The Disney Dining Plan has made that impossible. It is very popular and everyone, of course, is booking out the restaurants months in advance.
The best I can say is to see upon arrival if there are any last minute
cancellations. In the meantime, I would call every day several times a day
to see if someone has canceled. Also - the restaurants in the theme parks
are the hardest to secure, try those in the resort hotels. For a list of
those, see:
Cynthia writes:
We don't care for corn ball humor, but some do like it. You can read some
reviews at: Thank you for your kind comments. It's members like you who keep us going! God bless you, too! Cynthia wrote back:
We'd love to publish your report! We invite all of our readers to contribute their comments to our newsletter.
Cynthia writes:
It gets mixed reviews. For recent feedback, see: Category 3 seats are located on the lower level, far left or right, and upper level. Both levels provide an unobstructed view of the show. Cynthia wrote back:
Lisa writes:
Contact Beth, our travel agent. She has a file of the current dining plan eateries. See http://ezinearticles.com/?Snack-Time-at-Walt-Disney-World&id=1225697 for some helpful information.
Big Bamboo Reopens: "For those of you not familiar with The Big Bamboo
or The 'Boo, as it was affectionately referred to, it was a
true-to-the-definition dive bar, located in Kissimmee and heavily frequented
by Disney cast members."
A new Magic Your Way Quick Service dining option will be added January
11, 2009. For a set fee, the plan will include two quick service meals, two
snacks, and refillable mug. More details coming. $29.99 per adult; $8.99
per child, per night. Beth, our travel agent, writes: "Is the quick service plan worth it? Well, there's no doubt that you'd save money if you take all that you're entitled to. I mean, a quick service dinner can set you back $15-20 without much trouble at all, so getting lunch, 2 snacks, and the drink mug on top of it is a real bargain. The question is, is it worth paying $10 more (adult) or $2 more (child) to get the basic plan? If you're inclined to have a character meal and/or table service meal pretty much every day then I'd say it probably is... But if you will be happy with just one or two of those larger meals during the stay, then take the Quick service plan and just pay for the better meals."
Busch's All-Day Dining Deal: SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Aquatica
visitors can buy wristbands good for unlimited dining at their cafeteria-style
restaurants.
Cynthia, Lifetime Deluxe Member, writes:
We haven't eaten at Boma's. I'm not sure I'd like African seasonings. I believe a dominant African seasoning is cinnamon!
Cinderella's dinner has a lot of fans, but the food is not a strong point. You'll find this site's reviews helpful.
There's a great view right on the outside steps of the restaurant or anywhere along the lagoon. You're in for a real treat at Iluminations! A must see!
Beth, our travel agent, writes: Dining at Boma in Animal Kingdom Lodge... "I had the pleasure of staying in a concierge level room at this resort once. While I loved very American breakfast offered in the lounge, I wasn't crazy about the hors d'oeuvres around dinner time. It turns out that (as you suspected, John) African spices are an acquired taste that I - apparently - haven't yet acquired the taste for. Not surprisingly, I found dinner at Boma to be equally disappointing. Even the desserts that I'd heard so much about fell short. A friend of mine that lived in Africa for a time tells me that this is one of her favorite places to eat, so if you want 'real' African food this is the place to go. Otherwise, skip it unless you have adventuresome taste buds. There are TONS of great places to eat where you can be nearly certain you'll like the food." Viewing Illuminations.... "Check to see which way the wind is blowing and be sure to NOT be where the wind will blow the smoke from the fireworks into your face. I learned that lesson the hard way! You cannot imagine how much smoke there is coming off the lake during those fireworks."
Lisa writes about Disney dining changes:
Thanks, Lisa, for the update.
Beth, our travel agent, writes about tipping on the Disney Dining Plan: Everyone that's ever asked me about the basic dining plan knows how much I love it. While it's not the least expensive way to eat at Disney, it's a real bargain if you are planning to do a character meal or full-service meal once a day for most of your stay - especially if you have children ages 3-9. You never have that little voice in your head telling you to order chicken or pasta when you really want prime rib (because it's all covered by the plan) and you're prepaying most of your food costs so you know in advance exactly what you're spending on food... or do you? I had a very interesting discussion with a man yesterday who told me of a family group that just returned from Disney World. They had a great time, and for the most part they loved the dining plan. What they didn't count on, though, was the gratuities. They were totally aware that gratuities were no longer included in the plan, and they understood that for parties of 6 or more 18% would automatically be added on, but in their minds they were budgeting 18% of the cost of the dining plan rather than 18% of the retail value of the food they ordered. This is a little detail that cannot be stressed enough: the gratuity is figured on the total of the bill as if you were paying out of pocket for everything you ordered. Now, if you're NOT a group of six or more, you can choose to leave less than 18% just like you can when you dine out anywhere else. If, however, you are dining with six or more that gratuity is going to be charged directly to your room. So, let's say your family of two adults and two teens heads out to Le Cellier for a nice steak dinner, a meal that takes one table-service credit each. To keep things simple, we'll say you all skip the appetizers since they aren't included, and you all decide to order the same entree and dessert: the filet mignon ($34.99) and the crème brulee ($6.99). You also each order Diet Coke (to cancel out the calories of the dessert) for $2.95 each. That's a total of $44.93 per person plus tax (another $2.92) and you're thrilled with your decision to spend $37.95 per person per night on your basic dining plan because you've spent more than that on just one meal! And then you realize you still have to pay a tip. A 15% gratuity is $26.96 - ouch! Of course, no one is going to MAKE you leave 15%, but you know that (or more) is what's customary for good service these days. Now, let's say that your family is dining with your sister's family of four. You're now a party of 8 so the gratuity is going to be billed to your room automatically, and it's billed at 18%. You're going to see a charge of $32.35 on your room bill at the end of the trip. If you ate like this every day for 7 days, the bill for gratuities at the end of the stay would be over $226!!! Didn't see THAT coming, did you? I'm not trying to say you should avoid the dining plan OR that you should eat pasta for every meal. I'm just saying that you need to understand in advance what to expect with these gratuities so you're not blind-sided. Those gratuities apply even if you're on the FREE dining offer, so plan for them. And if you've upgraded to deluxe dining then you REALLY need to think ahead because there's more of a tendency to eat 2-3 meals a day in the priciest places. By the way, if the gratuity thing is really an issue for you, you CAN find places that offer entrees for under $15. Also, gratuities are included when you use your credits for Grand Gathering events, dinner shows, room service, or pizza delivery (all of which take 2 table-service credits). Drop me a note if you need links to menus and/or tips for getting the most from your dining plan.
Kim writes:
The SpectroMagic Parade usually runs at 8 and 10 PM when the park stays open later. You'll need a window seat at the Crystal Palace to see it as it runs along Main Street; and a window seat at Liberty Tree Tavern to see it as it makes its way through Frontierland. Unfortunately, you'll only be able to see it in the distance. The best view is from the outside tables at Tony's Town Square restaurant at Town Square Exposition Hall. Kim wrote back:
Here's the Disney Hollywood Studios calendar. Fantasmic runs 8:30 and 10 PM on longer nights. Tony's outside eating area is elevated and inaccessible to those without reservations. You should be able to see the parade from the tables just fine. We haven't personally eaten at 50's Prime Time, but many love the waitresses pretending to be mom.
The Thomas family describe their dining experiences at Walt Disney
World.
"Dining Well at Disney - A child's dream visit can be a culinary pleasure
for adults, too."
For a review of Hollywood & Vine restaurant at Disney's Hollywood
Studios, see:
"The Biergarten restaurant at Germany is always a surefire hit with
guests. Not only is the variety of food good (it's a buffet), but the Octoberfest
Musikanten group that performs there is invariably entertaining."
"The food I sampled at Jiko [at Animal Kingdom Lodge] was creative
and well-executed, a fusion of styles and cooking techniques using seasonings
and spices associated with African cuisine."
The Wave restaurant opens next month at the Contemporary and will
feature wines from Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand and South Africa.
The wines (except sparkling wines) will also have screw tops - no corks.
"Central Floridians are frustrated by the Disney Dining Plan, which
caters to tourists who plan way in advance for vacation meals."
New restaurant to debut at Downtown Disney: "The 5,000-square-foot,
two-story facility will have a tequila bar and outdoor seating along Village
Lake."
Disney Serves Best Martini: "The trade magazine for full-service
restaurants and bars said the company's usual attention to themed detail
and operational efficiency has made the resort the nation's 'Best Chain Overall
Beverage Program.'"
"The Cheesecake Factory is closing its restaurant at DisneyQuest in
Downtown Disney [in May]... The restaurant will be replaced with FoodQuest,
a counter-service eatery owned and operated by Disney."
A review of eateries at Epcot's Japan Pavilion: "Teppan Edo includes
a floor show from entertaining chefs while Tokyo Dining offers a more serene
atmosphere with good sushi. Both restaurants give an insight into Japanese
customs even as they break down gender stereotypes."
For the recipe for Apple Shooters from the California Grill at Walt
Disney World's Contemporary Resort, see:
$7 a beer! Those conventioneers must really run up a tab. For a review of
the new Rix Lounge at Disney's Coronado Springs, see:
$7 for green beans! And the food quality - in a word, embarrassing. For a
review of the new Yak & Yeti restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom
park, see:
"Foodie award winners: Scott Joseph and Sentinel readers pick Orlando
area's finest restaurants." Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge and Latin Quarter
at Universal's CityWalk made the list.
Orlando's Sentinel's Theme Park Rangers discuss having Thanksgiving dinner
at the Liberty Tree Tavern in the Magic Kingdom as well as tips on how
to get a last minute reservation.
Disney is going to build a new restaurant in the Contemporary's main tower
called "The Wave." The restaurant is expected to open spring or summer
2008 and will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
"Two life-size dinosaurs will grace the outside and dozens more robotic dinosaurs
will decorate the interior of the T-Rex restaurant and store under
construction at Downtown Disney."
"Walt Disney Co., seeking to address concerns about childhood obesity and
eating habits, will phase out trans fats from food served at its theme
parks in Paris, Hong Kong and Tokyo over the next two years."
"Work has begun on Walt Disney World's latest full-service, themed restaurant,
the T-Rex, to be opened at Downtown Disney in a partnership with Landry's
Restaurants out of Houston... T-Rex is to become a full-menu, full-service
family-oriented restaurant, a genre that's oddly scarce at Downtown Disney."
The 12th annual Epcot Food & Wine Festival is now in full swing. "The 12th annual fest will feature seminars, tastings, culinary demonstrations and food samples from such countries as China, Chile, Turkey and Peru." And Oklahoma! (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/28/07) Click here for more information, including the link to download Disney's Food and Wine Festival Guide. "Now you can search restaurant inspection records from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for inspection reports on all eateries from July 2006 to present." Start your search here.
Cindy, a member since 2001, writes:
Those dates fill up fast! If you plan to visit Disney over the holidays, call ASAP to reserve Cinderella's Table before they're booked out! I'm glad you are enjoying your membership, Cindy!
"Reservations (at the California Grill) can be made only with a credit card -- no exceptions -- and no-shows will be charged $20 a head. Guests must check in on the hotel's second level, then be escorted to the top in a dedicated elevator." In other words, no one gets in who just wants to watch the fireworks! (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 07/01/07)
"Most of the food I had during my two visits to the Swan's newest signature restaurant (Il Mulino) was well-prepared and served by a staff that showed training, if not consummate professionalism, in an atmosphere that is large and bustling -- yes, noisy -- without being frantic, and stylishly modern but decidedly not cozy." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/03/07)
Walt Disney World has announced that children can get FREE refills on milk, juices, soda, and bottled water at its table-service restaurants effective May 31!
Deb writes: "John: We have just arrived from a wonderful vacation at Disney World. We were use to the old diners package, but this was a lot of food. We also spent a lot of time getting to, eating and leaving a sit down meal. I would say 2 hrs for a sit down meal. If you were at another park, my guess 3 hours total with travel... We all mentioned it was restricting. At least we had reservations. Over and over again people tried for walk in sit downs and were told reservations only. Everyone should make reservations if on the Diners Package. If not they will not use their Magic Diners Plan to the Maximum." Many don't realize how much time it takes to get to a restaurant, eat and get out. Be sure to plan your vacation days accordingly.
Reserve your table online with OpenTable.Com!
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