Sunday 26 January 2020

297 World of Color and Seth Kubersky

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 297 for 26th January 2020.  If you want to listen, whilst reading these notes, just click the player below or alternatively find us on iTunesLibsyn, Stitcher Radio or via any good podcast catching app.
On this week's show, we have shared a story about Disneyland security, we review the World of Color Dessert Party and then end with a fabulous chat with the author of the Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando -  Seth Kubersky. World of Color Dessert Party It currently is bookable 60 days in advance and costs $84 per person and this includes tax and gratuity. They request you arrive 60 minutes prior to showtime however we did that and there already was a long line. 
Once in line, you are asked whether you want a high table (sitting on a high directors style chair) or a lower standard height table. We chose the higher option and was not disappointed with the view or comfort level.
For this price, you receive a pre-plated dessert plate, which consists of: grapes, cheese, biscuits, cheesecake, mini cake and a macaron (offerings are changed out and modified seasonally). Additionally, there is a basket of bread and crackers. Then there is a menu to select hot and cold, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from. 
The food offered was plentiful and something for all palates. If anything, we struggled to eat it all and took some of the items back to our room (the will offer to-go boxes). A downside was I did find the food a little cold but that is the only complaint. 
I tried both alcoholic drinks and I felt the mixed cocktail was much nicer than the sparkling wine. As it was a cold night, I also had a hot chocolate. Wait staff came past frequently to ask if we needed further drinks prior to the show starting. After that, the show they were busy clearing the area to set up for the second show but did not feel overly rushed to leave immediately.
The view was amazing and it was a fun night shared with friends. I would do it again if I was celebrating an event or to see the World of Color show without obstacles in front of me.

Unofficial Guide Author - Seth Kubersky
Well, he said he was going to the dark side but not this dark side! He actually is on the show to talk about the Universal side, which sometimes die-hard Disney fans 'lovingly' call Universal Orlando. 
Seth joins us to give an overview of what you can and should do if you are considering a trip to The Universal Resort in Orlando. He starts by giving an overview of the hotels and the main benefits of staying at one of them. 

He then moves on to talk about the two existing theme parks. Yes, some of you will shout - they have three (as the third is Volcano Bay) but we did not talk about the waterpark on the show. 
Obviously, we discuss some of the must-try foods and drinks available.
Photo Credit https://blog.universalorlando.com/extras/6-butterbeer-treats-wwohp/
If you are planning a trip, more information is available in the Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando 2020 which is available from all good places that sell books!

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. 

Sunday 19 January 2020

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. 

Saturday 18 January 2020

295 - Post Christmas Disney Catch Up

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 295 for 12th January 2020.  If you want to listen, whilst reading these notes, just click the player below or alternatively find us on iTunesLibsyn, Stitcher Radio or via any good podcast catching app.


On this week's show, we discuss:
  • Is there a place for self-serve kiosks in the theme parks?
  • Spirit Jersey's - yes or no?
  • We share a magical moment from a much-loved castmember.
We are back, following the Christmas break and all ready to share our love of Disney. 

Alas, no detailed show notes for this show, but 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 additional content from the show why not consider joining our Patreon supporters. To find out more visit Disney Dream Girls Patreon Page.