Disney Dream Girls Podcast

Sunday, 22 September 2019

278 - Storybook Dining Review

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 278 for Sunday 22nd September 2019. If you want to listen, whilst reading these notes, just click the player below or alternatively find us in iTunes, Libsyn, on Stitcher Radio or via any good podcast catching app.

On this week's show, Michelle and Jayne chat about some news items that caught their eye and then they review Michelle's experience at Storybook Dining at Artist's Point restaurant at The Wilderness Lodge.

Firstly the entrance. There is a really cute display that the staff put out during opening hours; I thought that this was a nice touch.

On our arrival we checked in and we were escorted to our table. The restaurant had a woodland theme and there were lights twinkling on the tree, which changed colour. To one side, was a Disney backdrop for the Evil Queen - this is where you got to meet her (when invited).

Our table had a cute card apple with character autographs wrapped around a red napkin. There was also a mini tree display stand (which we later found out was for displaying our appetisers and desserts).

As we opened our leather-bound menus, the story began...

We turned to the drinks selection and there was plenty of choice from alcoholic to non-alcoholic. Seeing these delivered to other tables was really fun as there were smoking drinks and colour changing 'potions'. We choose not to try one because we were driving.

On to our meal. The appetisers are a trio of themed morsels.

As my husband has a shellfish allergy, we had to see the chef and his choice was changed to a vegetable wrap (away from the prawn option). The choices were tasty and I would rank them from the soup, the cocktail and my least favourite was the terrine - I just did not like the texture.

Moving on to the entrees. I was very pleased at the wide selection of options offered. My husband Tom chose the pork shank and I opted for the prime rib. Both were tasty and had a generous amount of meat.

Being a Yorkshire girl, I was not impressed at the Yorkshire pudding (very doughy) but in my eyes, only my Mum (or myself) can make a good Yorkie!

Our desserts were served as a trio again. We did have an allergy warning marker on the plate so I was impressed that Disney took Tom's allergy very seriously and ensured that there was no cross-contaimination. Sadly, for me, I felt that the trio were too sweet to the point where neither of us could eat them. Very pretty - but just not for us. We would have prefered something without as much sweetness.

As a finale a treasure chest was presented to us and inside (once the smoke had cleared) we were served chocolate ganache hearts and caramel popcorn.

In between the eating, we had visits from Snow White, Grumpy and Dopey. I felt a little disappointed that the interaction with Snow was very brief and there was not another opportunity to meet her. However, the dwarves were a lot of fun and made up for the lack of fun we had with her.

Our bill came to $117 so with tip it was $140. We paid and was invited to line up and meet the Evil Queen. There was a short line and by the time we reached the front, our former table had been cleared, cleaned and two new guests were drinking their speciality beverages!

The Queen was excellent. I had taken my poison apple handbag, I was wearing Snow White ears and a Snow White skirt. As I put the bag on a chair, she quipped, "You have removed the best part of the outfit!" Definately a great bit of interaction was had and there was a photopass photographer to capture those special moments.

Would I say it was value for money? Absolutely when considering Disney prices (especially when I compare it to say the fixed price dinner offering at Be Our Guest). For me, I would improve the desserts they just were far too sweet (and I am a girl who loves sweet things!).

Well thats just about it for this week, as usual, you can contact us via Email: info@disneydreamgirls.com Follow our posts on Twitter @DisDreamGirls and Instagram @disdreamgirls. Plus don't forget our Facebook page by searching Disney Dream Girls.
Finally, if you want more Disney Dream Girls audio - why not become a supporter via our Patreon page https://www.patreon.com/DisneyDreamGirls

Sunday, 15 September 2019

277 - Terri Hardin Talks Galaxy's Edge

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 277 for Sunday 15th September 2019. If you want to listen, whilst reading these notes, just click the player below or alternatively find us in iTunes, Libsyn, on Stitcher Radio or via any good podcast catching app.

Coming up on this week's show, Michelle and Jayne catch up with a few items of news and then Michelle has a chat with Terri Hardin about what is happening in her life right now. By the way... Terri speaks very candidly about Galaxy's Edge and says it how she sees it so you do not want to miss this show!

Disneyland Halloween Highlights

On the show, we chat through some of the delectable offerings that are available right now. If you get a chance to try something - please get in touch and let us know!

Fuel Rods

We discuss these very handy devices and the rumour that there may be a pricing change.

Dessert Parties

It appears that the dessert parties are going to be subjected to a massive increase so we spend a few minutes discussing the prices.

Terri Talks

For our final segment, Terri Hardin (former Disney imagineer, artist and friend of the show) chats through her thoughts on Galaxy's Edge.

Sunday, 8 September 2019

276 - Jayne's Disneyland Paris Trip Report

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 276 for Sunday 8th September 2019. If you want to listen, whilst reading these notes, just click the player below or alternatively find us in iTunes, Libsyn, on Stitcher Radio or via any good podcast catching app.

On this week's show, Jayne reviews her families trip to Disneyland Paris.

Considering where to stay, Jayne reviewed the points that made her choose to stay at Disney's Hotel Cheyenne. For Jayne there were a number of factors making this an ideal choice including the theming, the relatively recent refurb, the on-site Starbucks and of course cost played a big factor...plus a bit of sentimentality.

Sheriff Woody themed rooms

Kicking the morning off with a good coffee!

Then, she discusses the amenities within the room which as Disney fans we all know is a really key point! Jayne was pleasantly surprised to find that along with a fixed dispenser there were also the small bottles and bars of soap which were replaced each day of her stay after they had been 'removed'!!

Then, Jayne moved on to talking about the attractions and things she enjoyed whilst in the parks. This trip was very much about spending time together as a family for Jayne and getting that much needed dose of all things Disney!

They were happy to simply experience as much as they could whilst not spending inordinate amounts of time in queues! DLP still operates the 'old style' Fastpass system and while this was used during their trip they also adopted a policy of only joining queues with a wait time of no more than 45 or 50 minutes.

Jayne was able to enjoy the newly refurbished Phantom Manor, multiple rides on Big Thunder Mountain (probably the best BTM in Jayne's opinion), Pirates of the Caribbean, Buzz Lightyear, It's A Small World, Star Tours (of course!), Ratatouille and lots more.

View of Phantom Manor from Big Thunder

Big Thunder from Phantom Manor

Inside Star Tours

Finally after a number of missed opportunities on previous trips along with a lot of persuasion she rode Crush's Coaster. Now as we know Jayne is not a lover of thrill rides so just what did she think to this experience?

Inside Crush's Coaster photo by Jayne!!

There were some rides and shows that they did not get to experience due to the long wait times but this in no way distracted from their enjoyment.

After that, she discussed her thoughts on the food options - considering that Jayne's dietary lifestyle is based around a low carbohydrate/keto eating plan. Jayne knew that food was always going to be a tricky one and this proved to be the case plus the poor exchange rate at the moment didn't help as the costs were rather high as well. Thankfully Earl of Sandwich proved to be not only great value but also offered the choice that Jayne and her family needed.

Food within the parks was restrictive for Jayne especially as they were sticking to counter service options. In DLP these focus heavily on 'set menus' and it was only by chance that she discovered ordering 'a la carte' was possible which made options a little easier but still quite restrictive, and repetitive.

But all in all Jayne and her family had a great time and suffice to say this has reinvigorated Jayne's desire to get back out and experience more of what Disney has to offer.

Sunday, 1 September 2019

275 - The Fabulous Disney Babe Chats Disney

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 275 for Sunday 1st September 2019. If you want to listen, whilst reading these notes, just click the player below or alternatively find us in iTunes, Libsyn, on Stitcher Radio or via any good podcast catching app.

On this week's show, Michelle is joined by the Fabulous Disney Babe herself - Michelle Valladolid.

On the show, we discuss some of the fabulous things coming to the Disney parks and resorts. Below are some of the images released by D23 (the official Disney fan club) but to get the juicy gossip and more information you will have to listen to the show!

Star Wars: Galactic Star Cruiser

New Parade at Disneyland - Magic Happens

EPCOT Transformation
This include a pavillion to be used for the festivals, a new interactive water area with hints of Moana and we were told the name of the new Guardians attraction - Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

Details of Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway

Overseas parks were also mentioned with attractions and castle construction details given.

A surprise announcement was that Disney has been in talks with Target and they will be having store in a store in up to 40 Target locations across with USA.

Well thats just about it for this week, as usual, you can contact us via Email: info@disneydreamgirls.com Follow our posts on Twitter @DisDreamGirls and Instagram @disdreamgirls. Plus don't forget our Facebook page by searching Disney Dream Girls.

Finally, if you want more Disney Dream Girls audio - why not become a supporter via our Patreon page https://www.patreon.com/DisneyDreamGirls Already this month, patrons at Supporter and Pixie Dust level, have had access to an exclusive show - just for them. Why not take a look and consider if you could support us.

Sunday, 18 August 2019

274 WDW Review

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 274 for Sunday 18th August 2019. If you want to listen, whilst reading these notes, just click the player below or alternatively find us in iTunes, Libsyn, on Stitcher Radio or via any good podcast catching app.

On this week's show, Michelle is joined by her husband Tom to talk through their Walt Disney World trip.

They decided to stay at Pop Century and found the room to be comfortable, mostly well cleaned and in a good location for their travels to and from the various theme parks.

Unfortunately, they had a few issues with regards to ants but Disney dealt with this immediately and they did not find this to be too much of an issue. Whenever the ants arrived - they reported them and the housekeeping and maintenance staff did a great job.

When decided about room cleaning versus having a financial incentive, they opted to have housekeeping, rather than a gift voucher (which they estimated it would have been $150). One day the room cleaning was well below Disney standard but housekeeping addressed it and sent someone out to re-clean the room and leave towels, cups, coffee etc.

Whilst away, they got married. On the show they talk about this however they will write a separate blog post about the process behind getting married in Florida (particularly if you are not a Florida resident).

Pages