DDG 218 - Disney Attractions and Drinks

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 218 for Sunday 15th July 2018. If you want to listen, whilst you read these notes, all you have to do is press the green triangle on the audio player below. Alternatively, why not listen via iTunes, Stitcher Radio or any podcast catching place! Coming up on this weeks show, Michelle and Jayne celebrate the 63rd birthday of Disneyland by reviewing their favourite attractions in the Disneyland Resort.

On the show, we discuss each of our top 15 attractions and we learnt from this that it is incredibly difficult to narrow it down to 15!

Jayne's number one was iTs A Small World whereas Michelle chose Radiator Springs Racers.   

We then discussed the Star Wars awards that are now open for entries. If you would more information, follow the link! Star Wars Awards-2018

Then we end the show with a listeners question on favourite beverages at Walt Disney World - with Jayne covering the alcoholic options and Michelle sharing ideas for the non alcoholic. 

Night Blossom - Photo Credit Orlando Park Stop

If you try out any of these beverages - why not let us know your thoughts!

As always, we can be contacted via these methods:
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Email info@disneydreamgirls

DDG 217 - Spotlight on Pixar

Welcome to part 2 of show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 217 for Sunday 8th July 2018. If you want to listen, whilst you read these notes, all you have to do is press the green triangle on the audio player below. Alternatively, why not listen via iTunes, Stitcher Radio or any podcast catching place!
Coming up in these show notes, is the second part of our show notes and this time we will be looking at the offerings available in Pixar Pier. Firstly, we must thank our friend Thomas Allison (from the Disgeek Podcast and The Cruise Dudes Podcast) for the information and photographs we use. 

Photo Credit Thomas Allison

Whilst there are not any 'new' attractions here, two favourites have been re-imagined to fit within the new Pixar theming. In addition, Toy Story Mid Way Mania remains and there are some games to play linked into the Pixar franchise. In addition, in 2019 there will be Jessie's Critter Carousel.

Photo Credit Thomas Allison

The Incredicoaster
This attraction is definately a thrill ride and is available for guests over 48" to ride. It is the 8th longest rollercoaster in the world (3rd longest in the USA). It has a top speed of 55mph and has one inversion. 

Photo Credit - Thomas Allison

The theming fits incredibly well with the franchise and is a must ride daytime but also in the nighttime. Pixar Pal-A-Round

Photo Credit - Thomas Allison

This is a re-theming of Mickeys Fun Wheel. Here upto six guests can share a gondola and there is an option of a fixed vehicle of a swinging one. There is no height restriction on this attraction. 

Food Offerings
There are four main places to get food that is themed around the Pixar franchises:

• Angry Dogs

• Senor Buzz Churros

• Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats

• Poultry Palace

• Jack Jack's Cookie Num Nums

Photo Credit Thomas Allison

On the show we chat in detail about the Poultry Palace as a good place to visit for a meal that offers a change from burgers or sandwiches. 

Photo Credit Thomas Allison

So that about wraps up part 2 of this weeks show notes. If you are planning a visit to Disneyland and would like to review it and share your views - please get in touch with us!

As always, we can be contacted via these methods:

Twitter and instagram @DisDreamGirls
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DisneyDreamGirlsPodcast/
Email info@disneydreamgirls

DDG 217 - Spotlight on Pixar

Welcome to part 1 of show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 217 for Sunday 8th July 2018. If you want to listen, whilst you read these notes, all you have to do is press the green triangle on the audio player below. Alternatively, why not listen via iTunes, Stitcher Radio or any podcast catching place!
On this weeks show we review the two new but different Pixar based attractions that are open in the two American Disney theme parks.

Photo Credit - The Unofficial Guide to WDW for Kids

On these set of notes we start with Toy Story Land in Disney Hollywood Studios, as Disney have increased the size of the presence of Toy Story here into a full land. Toy Story Midway Mania remains unchanged apart from the new entrance however there are two new attractions; Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Saucer Spin.

Photo Credit - The Unofficial Guide to WDW for Kids

On opening weekend lines were incredibly long. At points guests with fastpasses only were being let into the land and queues were upto 300 minutes and beyond. Our advice is to rope drop these attractions and also utilise the Fastpass system via the Disney app. Another tip is to visit during the evening as the lighting is amazing. 

Photo Credit - The Unofficial Guide to WDW for Kids

Slinky Dog Dash

Slinky Dog Dash

Guests over 38" tall are able to ride this coaster style attraction which lasts approximately 2 minutes. Whilst it is not meant to be a white knuckle ride (like Rock n Roller Coaster) it certainly will play on the 'feels' of the land where adult guests are taken back to their childhood.

Photo Credit Unofficial Guide to WDW for Kids

Alien Saucer Spin
Guests over 32" can ride this 'whipping' style attraction. Its movement is very reminicent of Mateors Junkyard Jamboree in Cars Land but themed to the cute aliens in the Toy Story franchise.

Photo Credit Unofficial Guide to WDW for Kids

The Land Itself
The theming is excellent and will remind all adults of the familiar toys that they played with as a child. Some children may not recognise instantly some of the toys but they will be bowled over by the colours and playfulness of everything.

There are so many hidden secrets and gems to be found whilst walking around the popsicle benches and wall is an example of this.

Food Offerings

Lunch Box Tarts - Photo Credit WDW Website

Woody's Lunch Box is the place to go to if you want to eat in Toy Story Land. On the show we discuss the many offerings and give our verdict on them. 

S'mores French Toast Sandwich - Photo Credit WDW Website

Whilst we both feel the offerings are quite heavy on bread placed products, it does as per the theming - offers a childs typical lunchbox.  However, this is perhaps prior to health professionals pressure on what a health lunch box should contain! 

Monte Cristo - Photo Credit WDW Website

On the show we discuss our idea for the addition of a table service option for the land as well.

That is about it for this weeks notes, as usual we encourage you to contact the show in the usual manner.  

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DDG 216 - Plans for a Magical WDW Day

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number for Sunday 1st July 2018. If you want to listen, whilst you read these notes, all you have to do is press the green triangle on the audio player below. Alternatively, why not listen via iTunes, Stitcher Radio or any podcast catching place!

This weeks show sees our good friends from Dis Down Under join Michelle to create the ultimate day in Walt Disney World.

This weeks show saw Michelle posing a question to Kat and Lewis... plan me the perfect day in Walt Disney World. Well the results from the duo are very different indeed!

Lewis decided to attack all four parks in a commando fashion with a rope drop to closing strategy. Along the way, he tried to hit all of his favourite thrill rides and grazed through snacks and counter service offerings.

On the other hand, Kat decided to start with a breakfast at Kona Cafe (and who wouldn't?). Then hitting through two parks with an array of well thought out fastpasses and attractions plus beverages to hit on the way.

What would your strategy be? Which plan do you prefer? Let us know! We would love to hear your feedback.

That is about it for this weeks notes, as usual we encourage you to contact the show in the usual manner.  

Contact us:
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Email info@disneydreamgirls.com
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DDG 215 - Delux Dining at Disney

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number for Sunday 24th June 2018. If you want to listen, whilst you read these notes, all you have to do is press the green triangle on the audio player below.
Alternatively, why not listen via iTunes, Stitcher Radio or any podcast catching place! On this weeks show, Michelle is joined by previous guest - John Kretzu. You may recall John from show 148 where he deluxe dined around Disneyland Paris. Well, John spent a year planning his first trip to Walt Disney World. In order to make the most of the delux dining plan he had purchased, he studied reviews, trip reports and listened to podcasts to pick his ultimate dining selection. On the show he shares his choices but below there is an in depth review of the brunch at the California Grill. 

California Grill Brunch at The Contemporary Resort Brunch is offered on a Sunday with times between 10am and 1pm. The cost is $80 for adults - yes you read that right! But wait for the review to judge the value (and by the way the value is there!) In addition to this cost, you will have to factor in money for the gratuity and also money for any additional alcoholic beverages.  It is two table service dining credits if you are using the dining plan.

First, if you are driving to the Contemporary Resort, valet parking is included in the price, which is alone is a saving of $24+. Then, on entry to The Contemporary Hotel, guests need to go to the 2nd floor check in desk and staff will then escort you in the exclusive California Grill elevator to the 15th floor. By this stage you really do feel like a VIP.

On arrival into the restaurant, subtle jazzed versions of Disney classics play from the band and guests can help themselves to a mimosa. 

With drink in hand, guests are then escorted in to the restaurant and shown to their table. Ahead there is almost floor to ceiling windows with stunning views of the Seven Seas Lagoon and The Magic Kingdom.

Next you will be shown around the buffet area by your server. The array of foods on offer is staggering. From pastries, charcuterie, cheeses, yoghurt and granola, salads and sushi there is a little something for everyone.

A first stop for John was the Bloody Mary counter. The choices and options are countless! However, this is an additional cost.

The food options then continue with a selection of entrees that can be ordered from a menu. Guests are able to order from pancake dishes, a variety of egg benedicts, steak and eggs, chicken as well as classic bacon and eggs. John ordered eggs benedict and he said everything (and not just his entree) was cooked to perfection. Further entrees can be ordered.

If that was not enough, there is then a dessert selection!

John said the service was exemplary, the music was devine and the whole experience is one he is looking to repeat on his next trip.

But that is not all! Just like any California Grill meal, you can show your receipt and re-enter the restaurant to view fireworks (that evening) from one of the two viewing areas. Their final touch is to pipe in the music.  

So ask yourself is this something you could do every trip? Possibly not. However, for a special occasion - I would be with John and making the advanced dining reservation (ADR) at 180 days prior to my next trip. 

Post recording edit: Since recording I believe they have added a crepe bar where you can have fresh personalised crepes made for you. We hope you have enjoyed this review, to hear more about delux dining at Walt Disney World why not listen to the podcast.

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Disney Dream Girls 214 - A Trio of Disney Theme Parks

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 214 for Sunday 17th June 2018. If you want to listen, whilst you read these notes, all you have to do is press the green triangle on the audio player below. Alternatively, why not listen to us via iTunes, Stitcher Radio or any podcast catching place!

On this weeks show, we have a trio of theme parks to discuss! Firstly Michelle and Jayne talk about some of the ideas they had on what they would do with their Dads at Walt Disney World. The, Tommy Allison (from the Dis Geek Podcast and the Cruise Dudes) shares his review of the recently re-opened Pirates of the Carribean attraction in Disneyland. Finally, we close the show with Mark Petar (of IMDO Podcast) to talk about the latest from Disneyland Paris.

Before we begin, lets wish all of our dads a Happy Fathers Day! And we dug out this fabulous video to help you celebrate.

So, if we were in Walt Disney World with our Dads where would we take them? Michelle had the idea of a cooked breakfast. On the show she discusses the many delights that can be found at Ragland Road in Disney Springs. From a full Irish breakfast to some of their lighter offerings.

Another breakfast idea, was to pop to Art Smiths Homecomin because they have just started a Sunday brunch! For fabulous sized portions and tasty fair - you can not go wrong.

Jayne decided to look into the Star Wars options available in the parks, if you choose to pay for a hard ticket event. Unfortunately, since our previous review of the Star Wars Guided Tour changes have been made and it no longer includes entry to the dessert party. There has been a price reduction to just under $100 but we feel the value is not in this tour anymore.

However, there is the Star Wars Galactic Dessert party and at $79 there could be value if you ensure you hit all of the alcoholic beverages.

Photo Credit @SeenUnseenD

Moving away from Fathers Day, we talk about the newly refreshed Pirates of the Carribean attraction in Disneyland. They in the process of introducing Fastpass and as you can see from the picture that as of writing it is not operational.

There have been some big improvements as well as some controversal ones ; namely, the introduction of Redd. We discuss these on the show. Also, what us your pirate name - let us know!

Photo Credit Tommy Allison

Then we move over to Disneyland Paris to talk about what is new there. 

One of the interesting changes is all of the new foods that they are bringing in that is themed to Marvel. Our guest Mark Petar shares his thoughts with us. 

So that just about wraps up this weeks show! We hope you have enjoyed our Disney musings this week. We will be back next week with more Disney fun!

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Disney Dream Girls 213 - Fandaze in Disneyland Paris

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 213 for Sunday 10th June 2018. If you want to listen, whilst you read these notes, all you have to do is press the green triangle on the audio player below. Alternatively, why not listen to us via iTunes, Stitcher Radio or any podcast catching place!
Coming up on this weeks show, Michelle is joined by Mark Petar of the IMDO Podcast to talk about his experiences about attending the inaugural Fandaze event that was held in Disneyland Paris on the weekend of 2nd/3rd June 2018.

Those of you who listen regularly to the show, you will know Mark is an avid character fan. He himself states that he has frequently waited in excess of three hours for a character opportunity. So when Disney announced this event and that there were to be special packages with exclusive meets, it was inevitable that Mark would be booking to attend.

First meet and greet for Oswald and Ortensia

Once he had been able to secure his package to attend the event (which he details the contents of this on the podcast). His first thoughts were to what to wear! 

After much discussion between him and his partner Alyssa, they decided to make their own outfits as a homeage to the event rather than an outright Disney bound. At some point in the near future, Alyssa will be looking into selling custom-made outfits but for now you can always purchase a pair of her bespoke ears via @Queen_Ursula_uk

With outfits sourced and made, it was off to the event. As this was an inaugural event, Mark admits there were things Disney could have done better. However, he said it was a fantastic event for Disneyland Paris. 

Max Live was a highlight

A must was to meet Roger Rabbit

In their Fandaze best attire

If you want to read more about the Fandaze event, Alyssa goes into great detail on her blog https://queenursulauk.com/. Alternatively, you can follow Mark @FuseMP and find his Podcast IMDO in all good podcast catching places.
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