Tag Archives: Downtown Disney

Aug 25 2015

TouringPlans – Rainforest Café Showdown

My family and I are big fans of the Rainforest Café. During our travels across the country, we always make a point to visit this restaurant every chance we get. In the last few years, we’ve dined at the Rainforest Café in Disneyland, Las Vegas, Dallas, San Antonio, Galveston, and of course, Downtown Disney (Springs) and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

What keeps us going back again and again? We are suckers for a good theme! The more immersive and detailed the environment, the more we love it. This, coincidentally, is one of the main reasons we repeatedly visit Disney World as well. There’s just nothing quite like escaping to another “world” whether it’s for just a meal or for an entire trip. During our summer vacation this year, my family and I had the opportunity to dine at both Disney World locations. Are you considering a visit to the “rainforests” of Downtown Disney and Animal Kingdom? Trying to decide which one is best for you? Then click to read my latest TouringPlans article – Rainforest Café Showdown; your adventure is about to begin!

Are you a fan of the Rainforest Café? Have you dined at either Disney World location? What was your experience like? Please leave a comment!

Aug 13 2015

More Details About Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Coming To Downtown Disney

Hangar Bar

The new aviation-themed lounge, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, is scheduled to open this fall in Downtown Disney. A few more exciting details were just released courtesy of Disney:

With an aviation theme (Jock was Indy’s frequent pilot in the “Indiana Jones” films) and a primo waterfront location, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar will feature food and drinks inspired by Jock’s globe-trotting to all continents – everything from a Hovito Mojito to Dr. Elsa’s She-Deviled Eggs.

Guests will get a kick out of the salvaged equipment, spare airplane parts and mementos from Jock’s travels that decorate the 150-seat lounge located between Paradiso 37 and The BOATHOUSE restaurant. Outdoors, his old steamboat (now in dry dock) is a fun place for watching the sunset.

Hangar BarAt the core of Walt Disney Imagineering is great storytelling: as the tale goes, Jock made a home at this waterfront property in the 1940s after discovering this charming little town while flying Indiana Jones over the Sunshine State in search of the elusive Fountain of Youth in 1938. As a member of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers, Jock often welcomed his globetrotting friends to his hangar for a drink and fun times.

Now Jock and Indy may be gone, but his legendary adventures live on at this exotic watering hole. And that’s what gives the place its charm – and a creative menu of adventurous tastes.

Along with beer and wine, start with clever cocktails such as Reggie’s Revenge and The Fountain of Youth featuring Florida vodkas; Hovito Mojito and The Bitter Barkeep with Peruvian Pisco; Anything Goes with an Asian spirit that packs a little heat; The Aviator’s Flight and The Scottish Professor, and that Cool-headed Monkey with African spirits.

Each of the small plates has a delicious twist, and they’re great for sharing. Dr. Elsa’s She-Deviled Eggs are brined in beet juice with lump crab filling. “Good” Dates feature goat cheese-stuffed dates with Marcona almonds and pickled veggies. Snack of Ra gives a taste of Africa with salads and dips served with injera (bread) and naan crisps. Tanis Tacos are filled with falafel, shredded lettuce and cucumber-tomato salad. The pretzels come with house-made mustard and beer-cheese fondue.

A little more substantial are the Rolling Boulder Sliders with three spice meatballs on mini-buns with yogurt sauce. Or Brody Brats, grilled bratwurst with mustard and pickled cabbage. Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar’s take on chicken wings features spicy Asian wings (called “Lao Che’s Revenge”). And “Squid! Why’d It Have to Be Squid” is fried calamari flatbread with spicy harissa.

Look for Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar to open in Downtown Disney this fall!

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 Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar?
Please leave a comment!

Aug 6 2015

Sneak Peek At Holiday Season 2015 In Disney World

Christmas

One of the most magical times of year at Walt Disney World is during the holiday season. The entire resort is brimming with dazzling decorations and special celebrations. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store for us this year, courtesy of Disney:

Magic Kingdom

Add some very to your merry at the veriest, merriest Christmas party of the season. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom hosts 20 nights of yuletide cheer from November 8 – December 18, 2015. From 7pm to 12am during select nights at Magic Kingdom park, this annual ticket event will bring Christmas joy to guests of all ages with festive decorations, towering Christmas trees, and wintry wonderful entertainment.

Beginning at 7pm (after regular park hours), guests with special event tickets can enjoy the spectacular holiday splendor, along with complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, and snow flurries on Main Street, U.S.A. Special holiday entertainment during the event includes Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas! Dance Party, “Celebrate the Season” musical stage show starring favorite Disney characters, and “Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season” fireworks spectacular.

Disney characters dressed in their Christmas best will be available for meet and greets throughout the park. In addition, don’t miss Queen Elsa from “Frozen” as she uses her incredible powers to transform Cinderella Castle nightly into a glistening ice palace for the holidays during “A Frozen Holiday Wish” castle lighting show. (Please click here for additional party information or to purchase tickets.)

Also for the holiday season, the iconic Jungle Cruise will temporarily transform into “Jingle Cruise” for Magic Kingdom guests. Festive decor in the attraction queue and boathouse gives guests a bit of Christmas cheer. The Jingle Cruise boats each are given a unique holiday name, and the Skippers share a slew of seasonal holiday jokes throughout the tour.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

A spectacular light display boasting millions of glittering lights, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is perfectly synchronized to a high-energy holiday symphony. This magical display of Christmas lights can be seen on the Streets of America at Disney’s Hollywood Studios from November 6, 2015 through January 3, 2016.

Epcot

One of the most beloved holiday traditions at Epcot, the Candlelight Processional inspires guests and instills the Christmas spirit through the retelling of the Christmas story by celebrity narrators, accompanied by a masterful orchestra and choir. The Candlelight Processional is performed three times each evening, 5:00pm, 6:45pm and 8pm, from November 27 to December 30.

Guests become immersed in holiday festivities while experiencing holiday traditions from various countries throughout World Showcase during Holidays Around the World November 27 – December 30. Share in the sights and sounds of the nations of World Showcase as each country’s holiday heritage comes to life amid joyful music, interactive storytelling and time-honored traditions.

Epcot features special holiday merchandise perfect for every shopper’s Christmas list. Santa’s Village in American Adventure and Christkindlmarkt in Germany feature extra special shopping experiences with unique Christmas ornaments and holiday items.

While shopping, guests can stop by the Future World Fountain Stage for a joy-filled performance by “Joyful!” This spirited ensemble uniquely blends the soulful expressiveness of gospel and inspirational music with the sounds of jazz, R&B and urban music. This holiday performance features classic Christmas tunes with a soulful spin.

The merriment continues with meet and greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus the nightly “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth – Holiday Edition,” a laser, light, fireworks display capped with a seasonal finale.

This spectacular light display boasting millions of glittering lights is perfectly synchronized to a high-energy holiday symphony and is capped off with a flurry of snow.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Meet Mickey and Minnie at Adventurers Outpost in Disney’s Animal Kingdom during the holiday season for a special photo opportunity. Mickey and Minnie dress in their holiday best, which makes for the perfect Christmas card photo.

Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney will be decked with holiday décor to bring Christmas cheer to holiday shoppers and guests. Santa will be available for a special meet and greet, along with jolly holiday entertainment throughout the season.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

All of Walt Disney World shines brightly with merry décor during the holiday season, including Walt Disney World Resort Hotels. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is a favorite holiday stop with its 16-foot-high Victorian gingerbread house located in the lobby. Disney’s Beach Club Resort hosts an incredible gingerbread carousel display, accompanied by the sweet smell of Christmas treats wafting through the entryway. Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Boardwalk Resort have their own festive gingerbread holiday displays for guests’ delight. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge showcase breathtaking Christmas trees towering inside the resorts. With so many splendid sights to see, Christmas joy radiates to every corner of Walt Disney World Resort.

Heading 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 visiting Disney World during the holidays?
What are you most excited about? Please leave a comment!

Aug 5 2015

Celebrating Thanksgiving In Disney World

Disney World Thanksgiving

Are you planning on spending the Thanksgiving holiday in Disney World? If so, you have lots of delicious options for your Thanksgiving Day feast. Here’s the scoop courtesy of Disney:

Walt Disney World Resort guests can join together for a joyous and delicious Thanksgiving Day dinner. With a variety of dining options at the theme parks and resorts, there is a cornucopia of exciting lunch and dinner offerings inspired by this American tradition.

Guests can enjoy menu options for Thanksgiving Day meals at Walt Disney World Resort featuring a classic turkey dinner, such as the hearty all-American eats and traditional family- style Thanksgiving feast at Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom Park. For guests looking for a special spin on the traditional turkey dinner, try some of the more unique options, such as traditional Norwegian meatballs and pan-seared salmon at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall or roasted heirloom beets with candied walnuts and mulled apple cider at Artist Point.

At Epcot, guests can dine on Thanksgiving menus during lunch and dinner seatings at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Biergarten Restaurant, Coral Reef Restaurant, Le Cellier Steakhouse, Tutto Itlalia Ristorante, Restaurant Marrakesh, Rose & Crown Dining Room, and Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, as well as quick service at Sunshine Seasons.

Holiday menus also are offered at Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom; Hollywood & Vine, 50’s Prime Time Café and The Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney’s Hollywood Studios; Tusker House Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom; Planet Hollywood, Portobello Country Italian Tattoria, Wolfgang Puck Grand Café, Fulton’s Crab House and Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant in Downtown Disney; and in resort hotels throughout Walt Disney World Resort.

Be sure to make your dining reservations as soon as possible, because availability is limited. For more information or to make reservations, please click here or call 407-WDW-DINE.

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:

Have you celebrated Thanksgiving in Disney World before?
What was it like? Please leave a comment!

Jul 23 2015

Vivoli il Gelato Now Open In Downtown Disney

Vivoli il Gelato

Hand-Crafted Goodness Straight From Italy

Have you tried the newest spot for a delicious dessert in Downtown Disney/Disney Springs? A brand-new location called Vivoli il Gelato has recently opened serving many tasty options. Here’s everything you need to know courtesy of Disney:

Experience the hand-crafted goodness of Italian gelati, sorbetti, espresso drinks, Panini sandwiches and much more. After 85 years, this world-famous, family-run gelato shop from Florence has finally opened a second storefront—at Disney Springs! 

Opening daily at 10:00am, a wide variety of Gelato and Sorbetto flavors are served including fresh cream, imported Italian chocolate, hazelnut, pistachio, rice pudding, salted caramel, coconut, peanut butter, sweet cherry, Italian coffee, banana, lemon, strawberry, pineapple, orange, mango, and mixed berry. Prices start as low as $5.00 and dining plans are not accepted.

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:

Have you visited Vivoli il Gelato yet?
Did you love it? Please leave a comment!