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. 

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. 

Disney Dream Girls 075 - News and Mouse Mingling

Welcome to the Disney Dream Girls podcast, show notes for episode 075.

In today's show we discuss the changes that have happened to the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros attraction, inside the Mexico Pavillion, the new afternoon tea offering at Steakhouse 55 in Disneyland and finally we have a chat with guest Dave Tavres (founder of MouseMingle.com).

Afternoon Tea Starting Soon at Steakhouse 55 Photo Credit Disneyland Website

 As you all know, we love a bit of food chat here at DDG so we couldn't resist sharing the exciting news of the new afternoon tea that will be available over in Disneyland. It starts on 22nd January 2016 - will you be making an ADR?

Next, Mouse Mingle. When we received the press announcement for this Disney fan dating site, we both thought it was a great idea and decided instantly we had to interview its creator, Dave Tavres. However, what neither us or Dave anticipated was the massive amount of media attention this launch would receive! 

Fabulous news for Dave and we wish him well with his venture. The interview discusses his career at Disneyland (he has been a tour guide and worked on the railway!) as well as the initial idea and launch of the site. We hope you enjoy finding out more about it and if you do join the site and find love - let us know!

Photo Credit MouseMingle.com

Minxmas starts on 14th December 2015 and we have a daily Disney delight each and every day up to Christmas. Even better, we have a fabulous competition - the prize is going to be something you will want to win but I wont announce it till 1st January. To take part, listen carefully to every Minxmas because at the end of the shows we have included a small snippet of a Christmas song. Write down the title, when you have listened to all of Minxmas 2015, email your list of songs to info@disneydreamgirls.com and we will pick a winner. Closing date will be the 4th January 2016.

Ways to contact the show:

Email us info@disneydreamgirls.com
Tweet us @DisDreamGirls
Find our Disney Dream Girls Facebook Page 

Support us by clicking on Patreon Page for Disney Dream Girls 

 

Show 056 - Starters, Steaks, Fish and a Cocktail

On this weeks show we celebrate the 3rd August 1933 and the release of The Mickey Mouse watch. Do you own one? The original starting price was $3.25. If only that had stayed still!

Also we discuss on the show the new experience that is coming to Innoventions at EPCOT. The Gladden paint company is sponsoring 'Colortopia' which will open in fall 2015. Details are scant at the moment but it will be interactive and have some accessible content once you have the location.

Then we looked at a few frequently found message board items, where you can frequently find strange rumours being born or questions that really don't even warrant posting.

Then, the final segment of show 54's foodie feature and below I share pictures and menu descriptions to tempt you to try and taste something new.

To listen to the podcast, subscribe to our show via iTunes, Stitcher Radio or you could simply click on the link below.


The starter you wish would never end - Disneyland

Napa Rose Scallops

Napa Rose, Pan Roasted Diver Scallops $22.00
On a Sauce of Lobster and Lemon Accented with Vanilla

Carthay Circle, Carthay Signature Fried Biscuits $12.00
Stuffed with White Cheddar, Bacon, and Jalapinos 

Café Orleans, Bowl of New Orleans Gumbo - $9.49
A rich, flavorful Stew with Chicken, Andouille Sausage, and Tasso Ham served with Cajun-style "Dirty Rice" 

The starter you wish would never end - WDW

Pot Stickers, Animal Kingdom

California Grill @ Contemporary – Walt Disney World
Chili-Coffee Rubbed Pork Flatbread
Washington Red Pear Butter, Pepper Jack Cheese, Pears, Coffee Barbecue sauce  - $16.00

Grand Floridian Café @ Grand Floridian
Pan-seared Scallops with Bacon-laced Arugula, Spinach, and Fennel-Meyer Lemon-Butter Emulsion - $12.99

Teppan Edo @ Epcot (Or from Tokyo Dining) Assorted Tempura Shrimp, Chicken, and Vegetables  -  $8.95

Yak & Yeti Restaurant @ AK Dim Sum Basket for Two
Pork pot stickers, shrimp siu mai, cha su boo and pork siu mai steamed on a banana leaf, soy lime dipping sauce  -  $13.99

The best steak based meal - Disneyland

Steakhouse 55 - Photo Credit Disney Parks Website

Paradise Garden Grill, Grilled Steak Skewer - $11.99
served with Rice Pilaf, Cucumber Salad, Pita Bread and your choice of sauce: Moroccan Chili, Chimichurri or Tzatziki

Carnation Café, Country-Fried Steak and Eggs - $13.49
Steak topped with country gravy served with two eggs-any style, café breakfast potatoes and choice of toast

Steakhouse 55 Bone-in Rib Eye - $46.00
With our Signature "Steakhouse 55" Rub 18 oz and Ill jazz that up with a broiled cold water lobster tail ($27), a side of Yukon Gold Mashed potatoes which comes with a white country gravy and minced chives ($9) and their steamed asparagus with orange zest inspired Hollandaise ($12)

The best steak based meal - WDW

Ragland Road Steak - Photo Credit Disney Parks Website

Citricos @ Grand Floridian Resort - Oak-grilled Filet Mignon  - $49.00
Crushed Yukon Gold Garlic Potatoes, Peppadew Pepper, Caramelized Onions, Broccoli Rabe, and Cabernet Reduction 

Raglan Road @ Downtown Disney Serious Steak  - $29.00 
10 oz. sirloin topped with Irish whiskey marmalade glaze, with fresh basil oil, mashed potatoes and topped with beer battered onion rings 

Shula’s Steak House @ The Dolphin
Place to go for your classic selection of various steaks!!
12-ounce Filet Mignon - $55.00
16-ounce New York Strip  - $49.00
20-ounce Kansas City Strip - $51.00
22-ounce Cowboy Ribeye  - $54.00
24-ounce Porterhouse - $51.00
48-ounce Porterhouse - $105.00 
20-ounce Prime Rib served with Yorkshire Pudding and Au Jus - $49.00
10-ounce Steak Mary Anne
Two 5 oz. Filets with a Cognac-Peppercorn Sauce - $48.00

The best fish based entrée - Disneyland

Fish and Chips - The Golden Horseshoe

The Golden Horseshoe, Fish & Chips $9.99
With Tartar Sauce. Served with Sliced Apples or Fries.

Uva Bar, Downtown Disney, Market Fish a la Plancha – market prices
Brussels sprouts, preserved lemon puree, fingerling potatoes, applewood bacon
The best vegetarian option

Surfside Lounge, Paradise Pier Hotel, San Ysidro Fish Tacos - $10.99
Pan Seated Seasoned Cod in a Corn Tortilla, Green Cabbage and Avocado Sauce, served with Wood Oven Roasted Tomato Salsa

The best fish based entrée - WDW

California Grill - Dragon Roll

California Grill @ Contemporary Dragon Roll 
Spicy and Tataki Tuna, Shrimp Tempura, Avocado, Dragon Sauce, Hijiki-Shirataki Salad  - $25.00

Coral Reef @ Epcot Seared Mahi Mahi - $26.99
Seared Mahi Mahi with Laughing Bird Shrimp, Hearts of Palm, Jasmine Rice, Cilantro, and a Coconut-Lime Sauce

Flying Fish Café @ Boardwalk Char Spice-crusted Yellowfin Tuna Filet - $40.00
Mediterranean Char Spice-crusted Yellowfin Tuna Filet and Poached lake Meadow Naturals Araucana Egg Arugula served with Pesto-laced Panzanella, Baby Artichokes, Saffron Onions, Capers, Fennel, Tiny Tomatoes, Taggiasca Olives, Pole Beans, Spicy Greens   

Hollywood Brown Derby @ DHS Fareo Island Salmon - $36.00
Pan-seared with a Cardamom and Mustard Seed Crust ver a Sweet and Spicy Cream Corn with Local Peppers, and English Peas      

Kona Café @ Poly Togarashi Spiced Ahi Tuna - $23.99
Served with Tempura Fried Vegetable Maki Roll and Red Wine Reduction  

Tokyo Dining @Epcot Grilled Salmon Salmon Filet - $28.95 
Served with Teriyaki Sauce, Seasonal Vegetables, Croquette, and Sukiyaki Beef Rice  

Cocktails - Disneyland

Cove Bar, Tropical Ginger Lemonade
Skyy Infusions Pineapple Vodka, Minute Maid Lemonade, Ginger, and a splash of Grenadine

Carthay Circle Lounge Double Pear Martini- $13.00
Double Cross and Absolut Pears vodka, Pear Nectar, and fresh Lime Juice complemented with a marinated Baby Pear, served up

Cocktails - WDW

50’s Prime Time Cafe, Mardi Grogs @ Port Orleans French Quarter Mango Margarita - $11.00
Patrón Silver Tequila blended with Mango Purèe topped with a Passion Fruit-Mango Foam 

Rix Lounge @ Coronado Springs, Birthday Caketini
Pinnacle Cake Vodka, Crème de Cacao, Amaretto, Godiva White Chocolate liqueur, and a splash of cream served with a rainbow sprinkle rim 

We will be back with our next posting on 9th August 2015.