Sunday 30 August 2015

Show 060 - A Disneyland 60th celebration with Window to the Magic Podcast

Welcome to the show notes for podcast number 060 for 29th August 2015. You can hear the show by subscribing to our show via iTunes, Stitcher Radio or any of the other podcast catching places out there. Finally, you can also click on the link below.

This show is very different and requires you to listen to another podcast in preparation. Before listening, listen to Window to the Magic (WTTM) podcast 485.5 iTunes link as that is where our two-part audio adventure begins. 

So part one, on WTTM, begins with a quest to ride one of Michelle's favourite attractions and along with Paul Barrie (host of WTTM) and friend Wendy Cooper the trio walk around Disneyland and Disney California Adventure to try to find and then ride it. With Paul in charge, chaos begins and so does our adventure.

We are running a competition on this show, you need to listen to both adventures, then send us an email info@disneydreamgirls.com listing the attractions we ride (in order) and make a comment on the show. The competition will close on 20th September 2015. So good luck!

Things will be back to normal next week but in the meantime, to see some of Michelle's videos from her trip, visit our Facebook page, Disney Dream Girls. 
To submit your own question or contact the show: 
Email – info@Disneydreamgirls.com
Twitter @disdreamgirls
Facebook Disney Dream Girls
Meerkat – DisDreamGirls

Monday 24 August 2015

Show 59 - Delectable and Delicious Disney Snacks plus Money Saving Tips

Welcome to the podcast show notes for podcast number 059, dated 23rd August 2015. You can hear the show by subscribing to our show via iTunes, Stitcher Radio or any of the other podcast catching places out there. Finally, you can also click on the link below.

So, ahead of you, you will find answers to some listener questions on:
  • Summer snack attacks
  • How much money should you take


Disneyland - Photo Credit, M Young
Cinderella Castle, Walt Disney World - Photo Credit Disney World Website

First, we would like to share an email with you. Michelle and Jayne. I was hoping you would help me as I am going to Disneyland for the first time in 6 years. I am on a limited budget so I plan to try and eat lots of snacks. Can you advise what I should try? Eric from Wisconson. Well, curiously we also received a message via Facebook from Julian from Bromsgrove, as he and his family are going to Walt Disney World and they are wanting us to recommend our top five snacks. So here goes with the information we shared on the podcast.

Lets start with Walt Disney World: 
  • Downtown Disney does offer some cheap options and I recommend the Earl of Sandwich Brownie Sandwich. This is two of the most delicious brownies filled and sandwiched together with creamy, sugary and delicious vanilla, chocolate or peanut butter frosting. This is available in Disneyland and WDW.
    Napoleon - Photo Credit, Disney Food Blog
  • EPCOT is a fabulous place to graze and get great snacks at a reasonable price – some are quite generous and can be shared! However, we recommend visiting France and Norway. Firstly, in France you will find the Napoleon. This pastry is topped with a thick layer of icing it has layers of flaky, buttery pastry are with thick, rich vanilla custard cream in between. My local Greggs do one and they are delish! Its available at Les Halles Boulangerie & Pâtisserie for $4.25 And as you are in France, don’t forget the Artisan d’Glace ice cream brioche sandwich for $4. Next stop we mentioned was Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe for their $3 school bread or the rice cream for $2.69.  
  • Now to the Magic Kingdom and on the edge of Fantasyland, almost Tomorrowland, there is a kiosk called Cheshire Cafe and they serve up a Gourmet Cake Cup but it is de-constructed and is basically layers of cake sweet cake and frosting with chocolate decoration on top. This runs in at just under $5. 
    Gourmet Cake Cup
  • Quick mention for the carrot cake cookie from Writers Stop at DHS.
  • Talking of cupcakes, WDW does offer the most amazing array of choices in both parks and resort hotels. From Red velvet to peanut butter, these $5 (or so) treats are very shareable. So try these! 
    Butterfinger Cupcake

Now lets move to Disneyland:
  • Maurices’s treats offer a range of twists from the cheddar garlic to the strawberry or chocolate one and are around the $4 mark. 
    Twists - Photo Credit Disney Parks Blog
  • Edelweiss snacks in Disneyland have the chilli lime corn on the cob which it great value for just under $5.
  • Another great snack is available from the Harbour galley – just near The Haunted Mansion. They do a range of jacket potatoes from around the $7 price point and you can choose from BBQ chicken, bacon and sour cream and shrimp salad. Awesome carb loading for the days where you are hitting the park for a long day. 

Next question is about budgets and this is from Clare in Penkridge. I’m going to WDW for the first time. I do not know what expenses I should reasonable expect. I have park tickets and I am staying at an off site hotel and expect to spend three days in WDW (1 MK, 1 DAK/EPCOT and 1 DHS). Can you advise?

This is difficult as everyone has different spending habits and at the end of the day you could manage on around $20 a day but you could aos quite easily spend $400! But here are a few guidelines: 
Walt Disney World - Photo Credit, Disney World Website
  • Biggest expense is food. If you eat breakfast off site you only have to purchase two meals in park. So I would budget $35-40 a day providing you are not having any sit down table service meals. This figure sounds high but includes buying water as hydration is important. Remember can bring water in with you too. I buy the small concentrate juice bottles and add that to water bottle or water fountain re-fills.
  • Souvenirs range from a few dollars upwards. I like to post myself a postcard, also maybe buy a pin with the year or season on. You can spend $$ on this section so set yourself a budget!
  • Ride photos, tend to be a pricey option but if you get one take and you love it, it will set you back around $17. If you want ten or more of such photos or character pictures, Disney do Photopass and in WDW it is around $170 but occasionally you can find vouchers to get it a bit cheaper.
  • Things such as headache tablets, sun cream and plasters can be bought inside the park but are expensive. Take your own.
  • How are you going to pay for goods? It may seem irrelevant if you live in the USA but as you are from the UK us overseas visitors need to plan ahead as most credit cards charge additional transaction costs for converting currency. I always take currency and a pre-payment card that I load with US dollars prior to my trip.
  • Final cost - cell phone use. At Walt Disney World there is wifi in the parks and most hotels offer this free of charge. However, texting and calls if not done via the internet can be costly and leave you with a nasty surprise 3/4 weeks post holidays. For UK guests, the mobile network Three off the ability to take your package with you for no additional cost, where as Vodafone charge £5 a day! So check up on this. In Disneyland, there is no in park wifi. So unless you visit a Disney hotel or certain establishments at Downtown Disney you will have to wait until you return to your hotel.

And that is it for this set of show notes. We will be back on Sunday 30th August with the show notes for show 60 which is a special crossover show! Part one will be released on Window to the Magic Podcast on 24th August (show number 485 1/2) and it begins an in-park adventure, where we begin a quest to ride an attraction but with Paul Barrie in charge, it gets a little confusing! Then, part 2 will be released on Sunday 30th August by us. Listen to both shows, answer the question we pose at the end to win a prize.

To submit your own question or contact the show: 
Twitter @disdreamgirls
Facebook Disney Dream Girls
Meerkat – DisDreamGirls

Monday 17 August 2015

Show 058 - EPCOT Food and Wine Events

What follows are the show notes that accompany our podcast, episode 58 for the 16th August 2015 where we discuss some the events you can pay extra for during the Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT. To listen to the show, please subscribe via iTunes, Stitcher Radio or one of the many other podcast catching places. Alternatively, you can listen via the link below.


2015 sees the 20th year of Food and Wine festivals at EPCOT. This years dates are 25th September til 16th November and is sponsored by Chase (those credit card people). What is there to do during food and wine?

There is a Festival Welcome Centre (in Future World East) where you can purchase souvenirs from the event. Plus to keep the kids happy you can sign them up for Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak scavenger hunt. This centre is the hub for the demonstrations, seminars and meet and greets. 
Photo Credit Disney.com

Additionally, apart from spending your money, you can see presentations by Disney and celebrity chefs and for extra $ you can attend one of the uplevelled events. If you watch ABC (alas in the UK we don’t) there show, The Chew will be recording episodes early October but don’t worry if you miss it as the shows will be on ABC between the 12th and 16th October.
Photo Credit Disney.com
We discuss the many (and there are many many!) options that you can choose to add to your existing food and wine experience. Here are some of them.

You can pay $129 for ‘What’s Cookin With…” and this entitles you to a plated brunch with a celebrity chef, such as Cat Cora or Buddy Valastro. This event is stated to give highlights into their cookery success. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/food-wine-whats-cookin-celebrity-chef-brunch/

You can pay $99-$199 for the Rockin’ Burger Block Party. This is where you can try the variety of burgers and sliders inspired by a variety of recording artists whilst entertained by a DJ. The higher cost is for entry to the ‘Nosh Pit’ where you get private reserved seating and a premium bar. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/food-wine-rockin-burger-block-party-event/
Photo Credit Disney.com
 For $100 there is Tokyo Pairing where you will enjoy three tasting sized portions of cuisine exemplifying Japan’s cuisine served with sake andor beer. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/food-wine-japanese-pairing/

 On 24th October, costing $169 for general admission or $199 for a main floor table of $319 for the Wine View Lounge there is the Party for the Senses. This event starts with seating for the Eat to the Beat Concert then it’s a visit around the world to sample 50 different food and beverage stops prepared by chefs. Then be entertained by acrobats as the pavilion comes to life. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/food-wine-party-for-senses/
Photo Credit Disney.com
Via Napoli, Tutto Gusto, Spice Road Table and Restaurant Marraesh are all offering upscaled speciality food and wine pairing meals.

Nihonbashi Dining Room at Teppan Edo, Japan at Epcot will charge $150 for their 6 course teppan styled meal served with sake https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/food-wine-japanese-hibachi-experience/

Also the signature restaurants are joining in the trend with a wine paired dinner with a chef and staff from one of the selected wineries. Prices on this range upwards from $100.

Notes – theme park entry is additional, where necessary. Alcohol is only served to over 18’s. To book call 407 939-3378 and there are discounts for tables in wonderland, DVC, AP, Golden Oak on some of the above.

We will be back with more show notes later on in August 2015.

Monday 10 August 2015

Show 57 - Symphonies, Weddings and Listener Assistance

Welcome to the show notes to accompany our podcast, number 57, for 9th August 2015. Coming up in this episode:
  • We share news of the silly symphony release
  • Open our listener mailbag to discuss WDW favourites
  • Plan a virtual Disney wedding
  • Talk about how we see the podcast growing and how you can help 
As always, you can find our podcast via iTunes, Stitcher Radio and all the other podcast catching places or your could simply listen by clicking on the icon below.


Silly Symphony Collection

We were approached by the team behind the exciting project to share the news about this projects pre-order date. Boy were we excited to do so! So we recommend you watch this eight minute youtube clip (Silly Symphony Clip) that will tell you everything you need to know about the project. 

So you will now know, it is a 16-record set containing the audio from the Silly Symphonies. It will become available for pre-order at D23 and then on their website from 17th August 2015. Exciting stuff! So our competition. We asked for your to email us the names of the very first and the last Silly Symphonies to info@disneydreamgirls.com and we will put all the correct names in a hat and draw the lucky winners name out. The prize is one of the limited edition publicity postcards, which are only selectively being given out at D23. Also we will pop in some other swag that we collect during the expo. 

Favourites

A listener, Christa from Germany, emailed us to ask about our own personal Disney favourites as well as to help with a date night. Well we love giving out our advice! So to hear what we advise, listen to the show!

Disney Weddings

It has been reported in the San Francisco magazine that a couple recently (and secretly) married on Disney property. Whilst we don't officially agree with any rule breaking, wouldn't it be fun to dream up your own imaginary Disney wedding? We discuss what we would do and invite you to email us your ideas for sharing on a future show. 

Changes to the Podcast

Over the past few months we have been trialling being a weekly show by adding a news show. So firstly, we wondered what you thought about this? Secondly, the show is growing! We have added the wonderful Sarah Woloski, from Skywalking Through Neverland, and Jeanie Gallo, of the Princess Papers, to the show. Both these wonderful ladies enable us to have a presence in both theme parks: Sarah being a Disneylander and Jeanie now resident near to Walt Disney World. This means more content direct from the parks and also we are wanting to have more give aways and create more DDG products, other than buttons. 

There are lots of ways we can achieve this. On the show we discuss these options in more detail. However, we want to stress, the podcast will be available free of charge via the same methods regardless of what we do. Here are the options:

  1. Attract sponsorship
  2. Continue to self fund 
  3. Investigate using Patreon
So firstly, sponsorship. Lets be honest who watches adverts on TV? I personally forward wind them and its the same when I listen to a podcast - I speed that section up. Also with us being UK based and the majority of our listeners being in the USA, it gets complicated. Also we pride ourselves in being able to freely express our views so we can reflect on Disney services without fear of alienating a sponsor. So we do not think this is the right route. 

Second option, we could stay as we are and fund the show on our own. Sure, we can continue doing this. So far we pay for our own fees to have the show available, artwork, buttons and giveaways but the costs are rising and there comes a point it isn't realistic to do so.

Third option, Patreon. Many other podcasters are turning to these services. Listeners visit a secure website and set up a monthly payment, which in turn goes to our account. It is not a lifetime commitment and can be cancelled as and when. We view it as a way of our listeners giving us a financial 'tip' if they have enjoyed the show - like you would for good barista service at a coffee house. We do not see it as compulsory, a massive financial commitment or permanent. So if you subscribe to our show and want to throw in a dollar or so a month, you will have our eternal thanks. If every listener paid a $1 it would make a massive difference  and we would then use this to improve the show as outlined above but also buy additional recording and editing equipment.

We do not, and again we want to stress this, want to make anyone feel compelled to donate via Patreon, we haven't as yet even set it up. We would, at this stage, value your input. So please, send us your thoughts to info@disneydreamgirls.com or comment on this blog post. 

We will be back on August 9th with another set of notes to support the podcast. 

Sunday 2 August 2015

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.