Category Dining

Feb 28 2017

Epcot’s 2017 International Flower And Garden Festival Dining Packages Now On Sale

Book Garden Rocks Concert Dining Packages Now!

Guests may purchase Dining Packages to reserve a seat at select Garden Rocks Concerts during the 2017 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. These packages include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the concert performances held on the same day. There are breakfast, lunch, and dinner packages available. Breakfast starts at $39 for adults and $23 for children, lunch starts at $39 for adults and $15.50 for children, and dinner starts at $53 for adults and $17.50 for children. Each meal includes an appetizer, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage (or buffet depending on the location selected). Prices do not include tax, gratuity, or the required park admission. Participating restaurants include Akershus Royal Banquet, Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room, Coral Reef Restaurant, Biergarten Restaurant, The Garden Grill Restaurant , Nine Dragons Restaurant, Restaurant Marrakesh, Spice Road Table, San Angel Inn Restaurante, Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, Les Chefs de France, Tokyo Dining, Teppan Edo, Tutto Italia Ristorante, and La Hacienda de San Angel. Guests may call 407-WDW-DINE for reservations or book online by clicking here. Hurry – Availability is limited!

Dining Packages are available:

  • March 3-6, 10-13, 24-27, 31
  • April 1-3, 7-10, 14-17, 21-24
  • May 5-8, 19-22

Garden Rocks concert performances are held each Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday of the Festival. Show times are at 5:30pm, 6:45pm and 8:00pm each evening at the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot’s World Showcase.

Performers on Dining Package nights (click here for the complete schedule):

  • March 3-4: Jon Secada “Just Another Day”
  • March 5-6: Dennis DeYoung: The Music of STYX “Grand Illusion”
  • March 10-13: The Pointer Sisters “I’m So Excited”
  • March 24-27: Night Ranger “Sister Christian”
  • March 31-April 3: Little River Band “Reminiscing”
  • April 7-10: Blood, Sweat & Tears featuring Bo Bice “Spinning Wheel”
  • April 14-17: Gin Blossoms “Hey Jealousy”
  • April 21-24: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO “Evil Woman”
  • May 5-8: STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
  • May 19-22: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry VIII I Am”

Heading to Disney World soon?

501 WaysIf you are planning a vacation to Disney World during the holiday season, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Have you attended a Garden Rocks concert? What did you think?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Feb 27 2017

Full Menus For The 2017 Epcot Flower And Garden Festival Outdoor Kitchens

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

This year the 2017 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will be held for 90 days from March 1 through May 29. The theme is “Fresh Epcot” and once again this springtime event will feature beautiful blooms, exciting entertainment, and loads of delicious drinks and dishes. A few of the highlights are:

  • Epcot Flower & Garden FestivalDisney themed topiaries
  • Magical gardens and exhibits
  • Garden Rocks Concert Series
  • Fun festival themed merchandise
  • Entertainment for the kids
  • Festival Event Center offering hands-on demonstrations
  • Outdoor Kitchens with delicious drinks and dishes

Outdoor Kitchens

The Flower & Garden Festival will feature fifteen outdoor kitchens very much like what you see at the Food & Wine Festival in the fall. This year’s kitchens include The Berry Basket, Northern Bloom, Pineapple Promenade, Fleur de Lys, Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market, Taste of Marrakesh, Hanami, THE SMOKEHOUSE: Barbecue and Brews, Primavera Kitchen, Florida Fresh, Lotus House, Jardin de Fiestas, Urban Farm Eats, Cider House, and La Isla Fresca. Be sure to pick up a Garden Passport and get stamped at your stops along the way. Passports will be available at the Festival Event Center, all Outdoor Kitchens, plus select merchandise locations. With just a few days until the kick off of the festival, Disney has released the menus. Better grab a snack, you’re about to get very hungry!

The Berry Basket

  • Lamb Chop with Quinoa Salad and Blackberry Gastrique
  • Field Greens with Fresh Strawberries, Blue Cheese, Strawberry Vinaigrette and Spiced Pecans (vegetarian)
  • Warm Wild Berry Buckle with Pepper Berry Sorbet (vegetarian)
  • Founders Raubeaus Pure Raspberry Ale, Grand Rapids, MI
  • Island Grove Blueberry Moscato, Hawthorne, FL
  • Twinings® Green Tea Berry Mint Julep (non-alcoholic version also available)

Northern Bloom

  • Seared Scallops with French Green Beans, Butter Potatoes, Brown Butter Vinaigrette and Apple-wood Smoked Bacon (gluten-friendly)
  • Beef Tenderloin Tips, Mushroom Bordelaise Sauce, Whipped Potatoes with Garden Vegetables
  • Nanaimo Bar Trifle
  • Maple Popcorn Shake with Crown Royal Maple Whiskey – NEW!
  • Maple Popcorn Shake (non-alcoholic) – NEW!
  • Unibroue Maudite Amber Ale, Chambly, Québec – NEW!
  • Unibroue À Tout Le Monde Saison, Chambly, Québec – NEW!
  • Unibroue Éphémère White Ale, Chambly, Québec – NEW!
  • Beer Flight

Pineapple Promenade

  • Spicy Hot Dog with Pineapple Chutney and Plantain Chips
  • Pineapple Soft-Serve (vegetarian)
  • Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Pineapple Wine, St. Petersburg, FL
  • Maui Brewing Company Pineapple Mana, Hawaii
  • Pineapple Soft-Serve with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum
  • Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (Non-alcoholic)

Fleur De Lys

  • Tarte à l’Onion Alsacienne: Alsatian Onion Tart with Sautéed Onions, Fresh Thyme and Rosemary on a Flaky
  • Puff Pastry Crust (vegetarian)
  • Poulet aux Écrevisses, Riz Pilaf: Baked Chicken with Crawfish served with Rice Pilaf
  • Macaron Chocolat Framboise: Large Raspberry Macaron with Chocolate Fudge and Raspberry Jam (gluten-friendly)
  • La Vie en Rose Frozen Slushy: Grey Goose Orange, St. Germain Liqueur, White and Red Cranberry Juice
  • Kir Pomegranate, Sparkling Wine, Pama Pomegranate Liqueur
  • Brut de Pêche: Natural Peach Sparkling Wine
  • C’est La Vie: Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blend
  • Kronenbourg Blanc 1664

Bauernmarkt: Farmer’s Market

  • Potato Pancakes with House Made Apple Sauce (vegetarian)
  • Potato Pancake with Caramelized Ham, Onions and Herb Sour Cream
  • Currywurst with Paprika Chips (gluten-friendly)
  • Roasted Bratwurst with Curry Ketchup and Paprika-spiced Chips
  • Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries
  • Hugo-Charles De Fere “Organic” Brut with Elderflower and Mint
  • Paulaner Original Munich Lager
  • Schöfferhofer Hefeweizen
  • Köstritzer Schwarzbier Black Lager
  • Beer Flight

Taste of Marrakesh

  • Merguez “Hot Dog” Sausage: Spicy Beef and Lamb with Sautéed Onions and Green Peppers
  • Home-Made Falafel with Pickled Beet and Turnip, Tomato Salad and Tahini Sauce
  • Baklava (vegetarian)
  • Desert Rose: Sparkling Wine topped with Pomegranate Liqueur
  • White Sangria
  • Guerrouane Red Wine
  • Casa Beer

Hanami

  • Frushi: Fresh Pineapple, Strawberry and Melon rolled with Raspberry Coconut Rice,
    sprinkled with Toasted Coconut and Whipped Cream on the side (vegetarian)
  • Ahi Tuna Poke Sesame Ginger
  • Beef Teriyaki Udon: Thin-sliced Beef, Onions and Noodles tossed on the grill with Soy and Ginger
  • Sapporo Premium Black Lager
  • Kirin Ichiban Pale Ale
  • Matcha (Green Tea) Sake Cocktail
  • Amabuki Kurenai Junmai Sake
  • Ozeki Shin Junmai Sake

THE SMOKEHOUSE: Barbecue and Brews

  • Pulled Pig Slider with Coleslaw
  • Smoked Pork Ribs with Black Bean and Corn Salad (gluten-friendly)
  • Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash with White Cheddar Fondue and Pickled Jalapeños
  • Warm Chocolate Cake with Bourbon-Salted Caramel Sauce and Spiced Pecans (vegetarian)
  • Zen of Zin Old Vine, California
  • Orange Blossom Pilsner, Orlando, FL
  • 3 Daughters Phantasmas Spicy DIPA, St. Petersburg, FL
  • Shipyard Maple Bacon Stout, Clearwater, FL
  • Beer Flight
  • Frozen Lemonade with Firefly Blackberry Moonshine
  • Frozen Lemonade (Non-alcoholic)

Primavera Kitchen

  • Antipasto Misto: Cerignola Olives, Sweet Soppressata and Salami, Ovolini, Mozzarella, Sweet Roasted Peppers, Ciabatta Bread
  • Meatball Parmigiana: Hand-made Beef and Veal Meatballs, Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Parmigiana, Fresh Basil
  • Strawberry Tiramisu: Ladyfingers, Mascarpone Cream and Marinated Strawberries topped with Strawberry Sauce
  • Pinot Grigio
  • Chianti
  • Prosecco
  • Corbinello
  • Moscato
  • Bellini: Sparkling Wine and Peach Purée
  • Rossini: Sparkling Wine and Marinated Strawberries
  • Frozen Italian Margarita with Limoncello and Tequila
  • Moretti Lager L’Autentica
  • Moretti La Rossa

Florida Fresh

  • Carne Asada with Black Bean Cake and Cilantro Lime Sour Cream
  • Shrimp and Stone-ground Grits with Andouille Sausage, Sweet Corn, Tomatoes and Cilantro (gluten-friendly)
  • Florida Larder Board: Orlando-made Ricotta Cheese, Cahaba Farms Micro Onions, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic, Country Pâté and House-made Pickles
  • Key Lime Tart with Toasted Meringue
  • Florida Orange Groves Winery Key Lime Sparkling Wine, St Petersburg, FL
  • Tampa Bay Brewing Company Quat Seasonal Fruit Ale
  • Barley Mow Brewing Company Mirth and Merriment Golden Ale, Largo FL
  • Florida Beer Company Feast of Flowers Farmhouse Ale, Cape Canaveral, FL
  • Beer Flight
  • Watermelon Cucumber Slushy with Tamiami Florida Gin
  • Watermelon Cucumber Slushy (Non-alcoholic)
  • Fresh-Squeezed Watermelon Juice (Non-alcoholic)

Lotus House

  • Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wrap
  • Beijing-Style Candied Strawberries (vegetarian)
  • Vegetable Spring Rolls (vegetarian)
  • Oolong Peach Bubble Tea
  • Kung Fu Punch: Vodka, Triple Sec, Mango and Orange Juice
  • Dragon Pearl: Beer, Honey, Cream and Tapioca Pearls
  • M.S.G: A cooler of Mango Wine, Strawberry and Ginger Ale
  • Plum Wine Cooler
  • Tsingtao Lager

Jardin De Fiestas

  • Chile Relleno de Picadillo: Battered Poblano Pepper filled with Ground Beef covered with Tomato Sauce and garnished with Queso Fresco and Toasted Almonds
  • Brocheta de Pollo con Salsa Morita: Grilled Chicken with Red and Green Bell Pepper served with Salsa Chile Morita and garnished with Micro-cilantro and Edible Flowers
  • Tres Leches: Vanilla Sponge Cake, Cajeta, Condensed Milk and Evaporated Milk and garnished with Orange Zest
  • Hibiscus Margarita
  • Elderflower Pineapple Margarita
  • Watermelon White Sangria
  • Pacifico Draft Beer with Kahlua Floater

Urban Farm Eats

  • Watermelon Salad with Pickled Onions, B&W Gourmet Farms Baby Arugula, Feta and Balsamic Reduction (gluten-friendly and vegetarian)
  • Seared Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Ragoût, Spring Vegetables and Fingerling Potatoes
  • Crabless Cake with Crispy Vegetable Slaw, Lemon Vinaigrette and Old Bay Remoulade (vegetarian)
  • Avivé Natural Peach Sparkling Wine, France
  • King Estate Acrobat Pinot Noir, Oregon
  • Wildflower Pale Ale, Forbidden Root Brewery, Chicago, IL
  • Urban Mary with House-made Pickled Green Bean
  • Urban Fairy Cocktail

Cider House

  • Pear Cider-brined Shredded Corned Beef with Braised Cabbage and Pears and Branston Dressing
  • House-made Potato and Cheddar Cheese Biscuit with Smoked Salmon Tartare
  • Freshly Baked Lemon Scone with Crème Fraîche and Mixed Berries (vegetarian and gluten-friendly)
  • McKenzie’s Black Cherry Hard Cider, West Seneca, NY
  • Florida Beer Company Caribe Blood Orange Tropical Hard Cider, Cape Canaveral, FL
  • Ciderboys Magic Hard Strawberry Cider, Stevens Point, WI
  • Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider, California (Non-alcoholic)

La Isla Fresca

  • Jamaican-braised Beef with Pigeon Pea Rice and Micro Cilantro
  • Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with Steamed Rice and Coconut Lime Sauce
  • Caribbean Conch Salad with Avocado, Mango and Onions
  • FlanCocho: Vanilla Caramel Custard with Chocolate Coffee Cake (vegetarian)
  • Red Stripe Lager
  • Frozen Simply Tropical™ Juice Drink with Cruzan Mango Rum
  • Frozen Simply Tropical Juice Drink (Non-alcoholic)

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Which Outdoor Kitchen are you most excited to try?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Feb 23 2017

New Restaurants To Try At Walt Disney World In 2017

planet-hollywood-1

If you’re a “foodie” heading to Walt Disney World this year, you have plenty to get excited about. With several new restaurants at the resort, there is something that everyone is sure to enjoy. Here’s everything you need to know about the newest dining options courtesy of Disney:

From a stellar line-up of celebrity chefs at Disney Springs to trend-setting creations from Disney’s new global test kitchen, the Walt Disney World culinary team exceeds expectations of food-savvy guests. Here’s the buzz for 2017:

Disney Springs Celebrity Eats, Fast Bites

D- Luxe Burger 1The biggest news was the proliferation of new places to eat at Disney Springs, from grab-and-go food trucks and kiosks to restaurants by award-winning chefs. Fast- casual spots included Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza and D-Luxe Burger. Three James Beard Foundation winners joined the line-up: Chef Art Smith a Homecomin’—Florida Kitchen and Southern Shine; Chef Rick Bayless at Frontera Cocina, and Masaharu Morimoto at Morimoto Asia. Superstar steakhouse STK also opened an outpost at Disney Springs.

Now open is Planet Hollywood Observatory, a re-imagined restaurant with the new Stargazers Lounge that lets guest relax under the stars with live entertainment. Recently reopened is Paddlefish, formerly Fulton’s Crab House, featuring contemporary, seafood-centric cuisine, craft cocktails and an all-new interior. Later in 2017, look for Bar George wine bar, the Polite Pig with craft brews, and more.

Next Generation of Sweets

Ganachery 1The Ganachery at Disney Springs showcases the beauty of chocolate, with Disney’s proprietary recipe for the custom-made ganache, a luxurious mixture of melted chocolate and cream. Amorette’s Patisserie features classic and contemporary pastries by the Disney chefs, with custom cakes that are works of art. And Sprinkles serves up handcrafted cupcakes, slow churned ice cream and homemade cookies. (Their innovative Cupcake ATM satisfies sweet-toothed epicureans 24/7.)

In the Disney Resorts

Disney’s famed monorail is your connection in a movable feast called Highway in the Sky Dine-Around. The new experience gives guests priority boarding on the monorail for a distinctly Disney dining experience with stops for cocktails, appetizers, dinner and dessert. From a welcome cocktail at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, guests call at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (apps), Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (entree) and back to the Contemporary for dessert, cordials and coffee. Offered Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

CA Grill Brunch 3For those who brunch: For those who like a leisurely Sunday morning, Disney offers two brunches. The Brunch at the Top at California Grill atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort features both a buffet (with an extraordinary Bloody Mary bar) and table service, plus a remarkable view from the 15th floor. Narcoossee’s Waterfront Brunch at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is a three-course delight with Mimosas, Champagne or Bloody Marys. For reservations, call 407-WDW-DINE.

New lounge for small bites, original cocktails: At Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is a favorite of Disney fans, with more than 1,200 pieces of memorabilia. Hand-crafted cocktails and small plates are a hit with guests.

Flying Fish at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort reopened in September 2016 with a whole new look and new menu. Sustainable fish is the star of the menu, and a new high-tech wine system allows more special wines by the ounce.

New in the theme parks

Tiffins 9Global cuisine at two new restaurants: At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Tiffins features cuisine from places that inspired the creation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Open for both lunch and dinner, Tiffins has waterfront views and is situated at the entrance to Pandora: The World of AVATAR, opening in 2017. (“Tiffin” is an Indian English word for a midday meal or a type of container used to carry food while traveling). Adjacent to Tiffins, Nomad Lounge features hand-crafted cocktails with African, Asian and South American flavors; beers, and sustainable wines from those regions, plus specialty non-alcoholic beverages and small bites.

The Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen in the Magic Kingdom is the first restaurant inspired by a classic attraction. Just steps from the legendary Jungle Cruise attraction in Adventureland, the 222-seat restaurant features bold, flavorful tastes of Asia, South America and Africa for lunch and dinner.

Great Food Among the Flowers and More of The Best Food Fest

EEpcot Flower & Garden Festivalpcot is becoming a park of festivals, including the debut in 2017 of the new Epcot International Festival of the Arts (weekends through February 20); the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 1-May 29, and the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival that kicks off August 31 and runs through November 13. All three festivals showcase culinary tastes in kiosks around World Showcase Promenade, along with special events.

What Disney does best: Allergy-friendly menus are found in more than 120 quick-service and table-service locations at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, along with more ways to make the special-diet-request process easier. Guests are still able to consult directly with a restaurant chef or special diets trained cast member. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is the recipient of a FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) Award for dedication to providing a safe and enjoyable dining experience for vacationing families and Disney chefs have been recognized for their commitment to food allergy awareness, education and management.

Where it all starts: Ever wonder how a new dish makes it on the menu? Or how a cocktail comes to life? The Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Flavor Lab brings the chefs, front-of-house managers, sommeliers, mixologists and more together in a state-of-the-art research and development facility. The new 7,000-square foot Flavor Lab serves as a hub of new product, packaging and equipment innovation for food and beverage programs across Walt Disney Parks and Resorts around the globe. While not open to the public, Disney guests will be the ultimate benefactor of all the testing, measuring and collaborations that will happen in the expansive new space.

Best of the Best: Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa took home the AAA Five Diamond award for the 16th consecutive year in 2016. It also was voted the No. 2 restaurant in the United States in TripAdvisor’s 2016 Travelers’ Choice awards. The restaurant wows guests every night of the year with three dining experiences: the dining room, the elegant Queen Victoria’s Room and the Chef’s Table in the Kitchen.

Reservations are accepted at most Walt Disney World table-service restaurants, signature restaurants, character dining locations and dinner shows, and may be made up to 180 days prior to arrival by making them on the My Disney Experience app, DisneyWorld.com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Which restaurant are you most looking forward to trying?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Feb 15 2017

Amazing New Experiences Coming To Walt Disney World This Spring

Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

Are you planning a Walt Disney World vacation this spring? If so, you are in luck, because Disney is adding several amazing new experiences for guests to enjoy. Here’s everything you need to know, courtesy of Disney:

It’s an exciting spring season at Walt Disney World Resort, one filled with new fun that spans all four theme parks, Disney’s Water Parks and Disney Springs.

From the unveiling of a whole new land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to an awe-inspiring fireworks show at Magic Kingdom Park to more retail and restaurant openings at Disney Springs, there’s more to see and do at Walt Disney World Resort than ever before.

Here’s a closer look at what is in store:

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

pandora-aOpening May 27, Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will transport guests to a mystical world of bioluminescent rainforests, floating mountains and soaring Banshees. In collaboration with filmmaker James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment, Disney is bringing to life the fantasy world of Pandora, inspired by Cameron’s epic film AVATAR.

Guests will discover two main adventures in this breathtaking new land. Avatar Flight of Passage, sending guests flying above the jungles of Pandora on a Mountain Banshee. Na’vi River Journey is a family-friendly boat ride that sails down a sacred river hidden within a glowing rainforest for an unforgettable encounter with a Na’vi Shaman.

rivers-of-light-1Hungry adventurers can recharge at Satu’li Canteen, the main dining location, or Pongu Pongu, a drink kiosk with a design as eclectic as its expat owner. Shoppers can stock up on Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits and more at Windtraders.

Also coming soon to Disney’s Animal Kingdom is Rivers of Light. Debuting February 17, this new nighttime show will take guests on a magnificent journey with a mix of water, fire, nature and light choreographed to an original musical score. Continuing the park’s transformation from a day-into-nighttime experience, the amazing after-dark experience on the banks of Discovery River celebrates the majesty of nature and the connection between animals and humans in the world.

Magic Kingdom Park

"Happily Ever After" Fireworks and Projection Spectacular Debuts May 12 at Magic Kingdom Park

Starting May 12, Magic Kingdom Park guests will be treated to the most spectacular fireworks display in the park’s history with a brand new show called “Happily Ever After.”

Featuring more lasers, lights and projections than any Magic Kingdom Park show before it, “Happily Ever After” will take guests on an inspiring journey filled with heart and humor. Cinderella Castle itself will become part of the story, with dazzling projections bringing more than 25 heartfelt Disney stories to life on and around the iconic castle.

The 18-minute spectacle will feature moments from beloved Disney films such as “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin,” as well as modern blockbusters “Moana” and “Zootopia.”

“Happily Ever After” will be presented nightly. Show times vary based on park hours.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Launch Bay 2Several new Star Wars additions have recently taken center stage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, starting with new displays inside Star Wars Launch Bay that feature authentic replicas from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” The new AWR Troopers from “Rogue One” are also now appearing in the daytime stage show “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away.”

For the ultimate Star Wars fan comes the ultimate experience: the all-new Star Wars Guided Tour. Guests are treated to a seven-hour immersion with character greetings, themed dining, attraction experiences, insider’s tours, a dessert party and VIP viewing of Star Wars: a Galactic Spectacular. Offered for an additional fee, the tour is available Mondays and Saturdays and can be booked by clicking here.

And coming later this year, Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests will be immersed in new scenes from “Star Wars: Episode VIII” while onboard the Star Tours – The Adventures Continue attraction.

Epcot

Flower & Garden 1Epcot celebrates 24 years of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival this spring, kicking off March 1 and running through May 29. Guests can sip and savor their way around Epcot enjoying new Outdoor Kitchens while taking in the sights of phenomenal topiaries designed after Disney characters.

Anna and Elsa topiaries will enchant the landscape at the Norway Pavilion in celebration of the new Frozen Ever After attraction, while colorful gardens will line the path to The Land Pavilion where guests can discover Soarin’ Around the World. The favorite attraction now takes guests to new heights with scenes from Sydney, Australia, the Great Wall of China and other destinations around the globe.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Miss Fortune FallsMiss Adventure Falls, the newest family attraction at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, splashes onto the scene this spring. Aboard this family-style raft adventure, guests will be immersed in the story of Captain Mary Oceaneer. Legend holds that this treasure hunter roamed the seven seas in search of undersea artifacts – until a rogue storm marooned her at Typhoon Lagoon.

Guests gently ascend to the top of the attraction in treasure rafts, only to plunge into a whitewater adventure where they will encounter some of Mary’s deep-sea treasures.

When it opens, Miss Adventure Falls will be one of the longest attractions (2 minutes) at Disney’s Water Parks.

Disney Springs

paddlefish-9The culinary scene at Disney Springs continues to evolve with more exciting food and beverage locales, including Paddlefish and Planet Hollywood Observatory, both open now.

Board an iconic paddleboat at Paddlefish, which offers guests a delectable menu of fresh seafood, steaks and chops for lunch, dinner and a Sunday brunch. A new rooftop lounge serves up a late-night menu as well as fantastic views of the water and Disney Springs.

Or, dine amongst the stars at Planet Hollywood Observatory, the newly reimagined restaurant serves up a new menu that includes amazing burgers and sandwiches created by celebrity Chef Guy Fieri, and craft cocktails whose names are inspired by the planets and space travel. Movie memorabilia, video screens, contemporary music and themed merchandise complete the scene.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

What are you most looking forward to this spring at Walt Disney World?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Feb 10 2017

Paddlefish Now Open In Disney Springs

paddlefish-8

Calling all seafood lovers! The long awaited transformation is complete and now the former iconic restaurant, Fulton’s Crab House, has reopened as Paddlefish at Disney Springs. Here’s everything you need to know:

Levy Restaurants is excited to announce the grand opening of Paddlefish, its newest dining experience at Disney Springs. The seafood-centric restaurant, formerly known as Fulton’s Crab House, has undergone an extensive, multimillion-dollar transformation which involved a full renovation with a brand new design (interior and exterior) that has transformed the vessel into a modern yacht experience.

paddlefish-9The aesthetic of Paddlefish was inspired by a modern, seafaring yacht with its clean lines, crisp designs, refined woods and a sophisticated color palette of blues and grays. Purposeful elements are showcased in the dining areas such as booths that are put into spaces with great views and a bar that overlooks the paddlewheel. Unique design features include opening up all of the windows for an open-air feel and bar areas decorated with brass accents that resemble fish gills.

“We’re excited to embark upon Paddlefish’s next voyage, and can’t wait for guests to share this new experience with us,” said Andy Lansing, President and CEO of Levy Restaurants. “As Disney Springs evolves and grows, we’re looking forward to sharing this newly reimagined restaurant with both vacationers and Florida locals.”

Paddlefish’s menu showcases fresh seafood including Maine lobster, King and Snow crabs and a selection of fresh fish including sea bass, catfish and salmon. Fan favorites and classic dishes from Fulton’s Crab House, such as Lobster Corn Dogs and Crab Legs, are still offered on the menu alongside new, contemporary options such as Lobster Risotto and Jambalaya. The menu also features interactive dining experiences including tableside services like Lobster Guacamole and Branzino for Two carved right at your table.

“It’s been incredible to have this opportunity to not only completely redevelop the menu, but also the kitchen design to accommodate it,” said Executive Chef Mark Boor. “I’ve put my heart and soul into creating a well-balanced menu that will have something that appeals to every palate and I’m excited to finally welcome guests onboard and see that hard work and vision come to life.”

Paddlefish also showcases unique beverage offerings. The cocktail menu was inspired by classic, turn-of-the-century American cocktails and gives them a unique, modern spin with fresh ingredients and spirits that are house made by small craft artisan distillers. “We’ve really dug deep into finding some truly rare and amazing wines and spirits along with our favorite, familiar classics,” said General Manager, Jimmy Kraus. “Our goal was to have cocktails that feel timeless, unique and balanced.”

Paddlefish is open for lunch and dinner in addition to offering a Sunday brunch. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy three unique dining room experiences on the ship, which can seat a total 760 guests. Guests can enjoy their meal in the main dining room, in the “Boil Room” where guests can create their own seafood boils or on the rooftop deck where guests can sip on shared punch bowls and snack on shared plates while soaking in the sun and views of Lake Buena Vista and Disney Springs. Paddlefish also offers versatile private dining rooms and event spaces to accommodate celebrations or meetings from 20 to 1,000 guests.  

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Are you excited to try the newly reimagined Paddlefish?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!