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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Disney Dream Girls 212 - Spoiler free Solo, strollers and Disney Chat

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 212 for Sunday 3rd 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!

Coming up on todays show, Michelle and Jayne chat through a range of Disney topics. For your benefit, we have sumarised some of these below. 

Swan and Dolphin Hotels

As mentioned in our On This Week In Disney History Segment, The Swan and Dolphin hotels opened in 1990. On the show, we share a very short version of the back story for this Walt Disney World set of hotels. As Michelle has personal experience of staying here, if you would like to find out more - please drop us a message.  

Solo: A Star Wars Story

Both of us has now seen the much anticipated film and as usual you will not get any spoilers from us! However, what we will say is that the cast did a fabulous job as the acting was top notch. Sadly, Michelle kept her movie going sleep fest going and nodded off after a mere 47 minutes!

Incredible Summer Promotion

This Summer sees the eagerly anticipated Incredibles 2 being released in the cinema, Disney is rolling out a range of fun meets and things to do in theme parks. For us, a highlight surely will be the meet and greet! 

Super Stretch Burger

Crepe Sundae

To find out more... give the show a listen as we chat about some of the food offerings!

Steakhouse 55 Afternoon Tea

There is a new themed tea offered at the Disneyland Hotel. Does the picture give you a clue? Yes that is right - it is a Pixar themed tea for $55. Are you going to go? Please let us know your thoughts!

Thats about it for these show notes - dont forget to give us a listen too!

As usual, you can contact us:
Twitter and Instagram @DisDreamGirls
Facebook.com/DisneyDreamGirls
Email info@disneydreamgirls.com
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/DisneyDreamGirls