301 A Silly Symphony, Disney Food, Pixar Night and more!

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 301 for Sunday 23rd February 2020. If you want to listen, whilst reading these notes, just click the player below or alternatively find us on iTunes, Libsyn, Stitcher Radio or via any good podcast catching app. 

Coming up on this week's show, we discuss the Pixar Night and The Disneyland Resort, events at an Under Armour store leaving other shops closed, Mickey and Minnie's Railway, Betsey Johnson's new collection, a Silly Symphony and then end the show with some menu chat from eateries in Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom. 

Pixar Night

This is a special after-hours event on 5th March 2020 starting at 8pm and it runs till midnight at Disney California Adventure. Let's look at what it includes. Well, there's a dance party, themed food and character meets. Make sure you look out for the Photo Pass Photographers!

Have you plans to attend?

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway

So what do we know about this already? It opens on 4th March 2020 at Disney Hollywood Studios and on the show, we aired some thoughts of castmembers who have already had a ride.

Have you a Fastpass already?

Betsey Johnson

Known for her vibrant pieces, Betsey Johnson launched her collection at the Dress Show in Downtown Disney on 21st February 2020 and we can't wait to see what it includes!

Silly Symphony
Click the link to enjoy this wonderful Silly Symphony - You Tube credit to Old Classic Cartoons. 
The Practical Pig 

Columbia Harbour House

Jayne's must-eats:
Grilled salmon or the shrimp skewer

Michelle's must-eats:
New England Clam Chowder

Red Rose Tavern

Jayne's must-eats:
Beast's Angus Pastrami Burger

Michelle's must-eats:
Enchanted Cauli-Flower Sandwich

Universal Studios Hollywood

This Christmas, Michelle was able to have a private tour of the studio lots at Universal Hollywood. Listen to the show to head some of the highlights of this. 

The Disney Dreams Girls is a weekly podcast, where the hosts - Michelle and Jayne - are your guides to the places where dreams begin. If you want to find out more about the show or would like to contact them, their social media links are below.
Via Email: info@disneydreamgirls.com 

Twitter @DisDreamGirls and Instagram @disdreamgirls. Plus don't forget our Facebook page by searching Disney Dream Girls. 

Finally, if you want additional content over and above our weekly show,  why not consider joining our Patreon supporters. They receive extra shows as well as many other benefits.  To find out more visit Disney Dream Girls Patreon Page. 

300 Shows of Disney Chat on Walt Disney World and Disneyland

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 300 for Sunday 16th February 2020.  If you want to listen, whilst reading these notes, just click the player below or alternatively find us on iTunes, Libsyn, Stitcher Radio or via any good podcast catching app.

On this week's show, Michelle and Jayne chat through a mixed bag of celebratory items as we turn 300 shows old! 

Our topics for this week include ticket price increases, new merchandise, Hollywood Brown Derby, where would we marry at the parks, where you would like to visit on Disney Cruise Line and finally the Rose and Crown breakfast offering. Phew, that's quite a lot!

Magic Happens ears

Jayne found some interesting new ears to tempt us to part with our cash from Minnie Mouse to unicorns!  Additionally, we reviewed some of the new Magic Happens items as well as looking at the $40 meal plan that enables guests to have lunch (main, cupcake and drink) and a viewing area for the parade.

Light Up Decoration

What do you think? Tempted by anything? Our next item is about the Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant in Walt Disney World. It was based on an actual restaurant, which opened on 14th February 1929. So we thought it was an opportune moment to discuss the food on offer.

Photo Credit https://oldlarestaurants.com

Have you eaten there? What did you enjoy? We then move on to celebrate that it was the anniversary of a Disney wedding being held at the Twilight Zone, Tower of Terror. So for fun, we pondered where we would say I do!

Then, our podcast family had a discussion, through the week, on places they would love to go to on the Disney Cruise Line and we were a little surprised with the result! The big majority voted for Alaska! Where would you wish to go?

Our last main topic was the news that The Rose and Crown in the UK Pavillion at EPCOT was offering (for a limited run at weekends) a quick-serve breakfast for $9.99. Initially, we were very excited about this - who wouldn't? Price and a British slant on things would make anyone really eager to try! 

Photo Credit WDW News Today

However, as you can see in the image above it isn't what us Brits would be salivating over. However, those who have tried it have said it was very tasty and at that price point you never know; we could be tempted!

The Disney Dreams Girls is a weekly podcast, where the hosts - Michelle and Jayne - are your guides to the places where dreams begin. If you want to find out more about the show or would like to contact them, their social media links are below.

Email: info@disneydreamgirls.com
Find us on Facebook - Facebook.com/DisneyDreamGirls
Twitter and Instagram @DisDreamGirls
Patreon (to support the show financially and receive additional shows in return) https://www.patreon.com/DisneyDreamGirls

299 Cinderella at 70 and Love in The Parks

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 299 for Sunday 9th February 2020.  If you want to listen, whilst reading these notes, just click the player below or alternatively find us on iTunes, Libsyn, Stitcher Radio or via any good podcast catching app. 

On this week's show, Michelle and Jayne chat about Cinderella turning 70 and where they would spend Valentines Day with their loved ones. Obviously, as we usually do, we go off at tangents but it is all done in the best possible Disney manner!

Cinderella Offerings
Cinderella turns 70 and to mark this occasion, Disney parks are being Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo'd to celebrate. What grabs your fancy? 

If you are not over in Walt Disney World, how about the Cinderella themed afternoon tea at Steakhouse 55? Choose from 3 distinct tea parties—Classic, Premium, or Kids—fit for Disney’s popular princess! This afternoon tea occurs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12-3pm starting February 7, 2020. Let us know if you plan to visit!

Finally, we plan a Valentines Day for our husbands. Suprisingly, they both involve Star Wars and food! What would you do in the parks on Valentines Day?

The Disney Dreams Girls is a weekly podcast, where the hosts - Michelle and Jayne - are your guides to the places where dreams begin. If you want to find out more about the show or would like to contact them, their social media links are below.
Via Email: info@disneydreamgirls.com 

Twitter @DisDreamGirls and Instagram @disdreamgirls. Plus don't forget our Facebook page by searching Disney Dream Girls. 

Finally, if you want additional content over and above our weekly show,  why not consider joining our Patreon supporters. They receive extra shows as well as many other benefits.  To find out more visit Disney Dream Girls Patreon Page. 

298 Festivals at Disney

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 298 for Sunday 2nd February 2020.  If you want to listen, whilst reading these notes, just click the player below or alternatively find us on iTunes, Libsyn, Stitcher Radio or via any good podcast catching app. On this week's show, Michelle and Jayne chat about how a friend had to show resilience in order to get to ride Rise of the Resistance. Then, they talk about Michelle's experience at the Festival of Holidays when she was in Disneyland before finishing the show dreaming about what they would eat at the Festival of the Arts at Walt Disney World.  

Festival of Holidays - Disneyland  
Over at Disney California Adventure Park, you will find an amazing range of beverages and edibles at the Festival Foods Marketplace. On her trip, Michelle was able to try out a whole range of delicious and not so delicious items. This year, it was possible to order food from any kiosk till and then present your receipt at the appropriate kiosk. This was a major timesaver!

 Reimagined Beef Wellington

Holiday Mickey and Minnie Cookies

Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage

Braised Pork Belly Adobo with Garlic Fried Rice

Churro Toffee and Cold Brew Toffee Crumbles

Hot Cocoa Marshmallow Macaron

S'mores Frozen Chocolate Milk with House-made Toasted Marshmallow-infused Whipped Cream

Festival of the Arts - Walt Disney World  
The Festival of the Arts has been taking place at Epcot since 2017 and celebrates 'Art, Entertainment & Food'. The festival runs from January 17th through February 24th.
 
The girls were of course taken with the food offerings available so just had to share what caught their eyes this year!

So what about some 'deconstructed' dishes...BLT

Or maybe Strawberry Cheesecake?

Then perhaps wander over to Japan for some Taiyaki...cake shaped like a fish?

Or you could try a donut made from sushi?

And it wouldn't be the Festival of Arts without this piece of art inspired cake

But then how about Purple Sweet Potato in a dessert?

Definitely lots here for the girls to discuss. Have you attended? What did you try? We would love to hear!
 
The Disney Dreams Girls is a weekly podcast, where the hosts - Michelle and Jayne - are your guides to the places where dreams begin. If you want to find out more about the show or would like to contact them, their social media links are below.

Via Email: info@disneydreamgirls.com 

Twitter @DisDreamGirls and Instagram @disdreamgirls. Plus don't forget our Facebook page by searching Disney Dream Girls. 

Finally, if you want additional content over and above our weekly show,  why not consider joining our Patreon supporters. They receive extra shows as well as many other benefits.  To find out more visit Disney Dream Girls Patreon Page. 

297 World of Color and Seth Kubersky

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 297 for 26th January 2020.  If you want to listen, whilst reading these notes, just click the player below or alternatively find us on iTunes, Libsyn, Stitcher Radio or via any good podcast catching app.
On this week's show, we have shared a story about Disneyland security, we review the World of Color Dessert Party and then end with a fabulous chat with the author of the Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando -  Seth Kubersky. World of Color Dessert Party It currently is bookable 60 days in advance and costs $84 per person and this includes tax and gratuity. They request you arrive 60 minutes prior to showtime however we did that and there already was a long line. 

Once in line, you are asked whether you want a high table (sitting on a high directors style chair) or a lower standard height table. We chose the higher option and was not disappointed with the view or comfort level.

For this price, you receive a pre-plated dessert plate, which consists of: grapes, cheese, biscuits, cheesecake, mini cake and a macaron (offerings are changed out and modified seasonally). Additionally, there is a basket of bread and crackers. Then there is a menu to select hot and cold, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from. 

The food offered was plentiful and something for all palates. If anything, we struggled to eat it all and took some of the items back to our room (the will offer to-go boxes). A downside was I did find the food a little cold but that is the only complaint. 

I tried both alcoholic drinks and I felt the mixed cocktail was much nicer than the sparkling wine. As it was a cold night, I also had a hot chocolate. Wait staff came past frequently to ask if we needed further drinks prior to the show starting. After that, the show they were busy clearing the area to set up for the second show but did not feel overly rushed to leave immediately.

The view was amazing and it was a fun night shared with friends. I would do it again if I was celebrating an event or to see the World of Color show without obstacles in front of me.

Unofficial Guide Author - Seth Kubersky

Well, he said he was going to the dark side but not this dark side! He actually is on the show to talk about the Universal side, which sometimes die-hard Disney fans 'lovingly' call Universal Orlando. 

Seth joins us to give an overview of what you can and should do if you are considering a trip to The Universal Resort in Orlando. He starts by giving an overview of the hotels and the main benefits of staying at one of them. 

He then moves on to talk about the two existing theme parks. Yes, some of you will shout - they have three (as the third is Volcano Bay) but we did not talk about the waterpark on the show. 

Obviously, we discuss some of the must-try foods and drinks available.

Photo Credit https://blog.universalorlando.com/extras/6-butterbeer-treats-wwohp/

If you are planning a trip, more information is available in the Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando 2020 which is available from all good places that sell books!

The Disney Dreams Girls is a weekly podcast, where the hosts - Michelle and Jayne - are your guides to the places where dreams begin. If you want to find out more about the show or would like to contact them, their social media links are below.

Via Email: info@disneydreamgirls.com 

Twitter @DisDreamGirls and Instagram @disdreamgirls. Plus don't forget our Facebook page by searching Disney Dream Girls. 

Finally, if you want additional content over and above our weekly show,  why not consider joining our Patreon supporters. They receive extra shows as well as many other benefits.  To find out more visit Disney Dream Girls Patreon Page. 

296 - Steakhouse 55 Afternoon Tea Experience

Should you invest your time and money on afternoon tea at Steakhouse 55? My answer is a big resounding yes! If you want to hear us review the experience (as part of our weekly podcast), click the link below to hear it right now or find us in your usual podcast listening device by searching - The Disney Dream Girls.
Firstly, you will need a reservation as these advanced dining reservations vanish quickly. They can be made up to 60 days in advance by telephoning or signing up and making a reservation via their website/app.

You can find the restaurant next door to Goofy's Kitchen, inside the Disneyland Hotel. Ensure you add extra time onto your visit to explore the lobby - it is certainly worth it!

There are hints of Walt Disney all around you in this restaurant - along with all sorts of Hollywood stars of bygone years. Inside, it is very elegant and seating is either in an open booth (like the one we had) or on more central tables.

Once seated, we were given the menu and a choice of which tea to order.  The prices are standard at $55 or premium at $70. Yes, you can say - ouch but by the end of this blog, you hopefully will agree that there is value and we all felt the $70 premium tea was the way to go. Annual pass discounts apply but there are taxes and gratuity on top of the quoted price. The price also includes three-hours of valet parking at the Disneyland hotel - a very handy add on. 

We began by choosing our teas from the very extensive menu and having a fresh bottle of sparkling wine opened tableside for us. The wine was very good - not too sweet nor dry. We all chose different teas and were impressed by the selection and the taste. I had the nutty chocolate and found it to be a very refreshing drink that complimented our meal. Our server offered recommendations and was available to help demystify the types of tea available to match our palate. 

Then onto the food and we began with a delightfully flavoursome salad. The dressing was sublime and each mouthful had something zingy and tasty in it. The blue cheese was perfect and I really liked the pomegranate.

Then our waiter explained the main event to us - the cakes and the sandwiches - so here he is!

The desserts were delicious however, I did feel the sandwiches were the weaker element of the meal. They were pretty but not very satisfying; we found the bread to taste and feel a little dry and also I prefer sandwiches with a base and lid (it's the English gal in me!). My favourite was the chocolate covered strawberry but the scones were also very good.

We did not eat everything that was served to us so they kindly packaged our leftovers up for us. At the end of our meal, we received a duo of truffles - a nice touch, which is only part of the premium tea.

Would we go again? Yes! I heartedly recommend paying extra for the premium tea also as we all felt the wine, salad, and truffles were well worth the additional $15.  

The Disney Dreams Girls is a weekly podcast, where the hosts - Michelle and Jayne - are your guides to the places where dreams begin. If you want to find out more about the show or would like to contact them, their social media links are below.

Via Email: info@disneydreamgirls.com 

Twitter @DisDreamGirls and Instagram @disdreamgirls. Plus don't forget our Facebook page by searching Disney Dream Girls. 

Finally, if you want additional content over and above our weekly show,  why not consider joining our Patreon supporters. They receive extra shows as well as many other benefits.  To find out more visit Disney Dream Girls Patreon Page.