286 Disney Chatter

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 286  for 17th November 2019.  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, amongst other things, you will hear us chat about:

• Magic band slap bracelets
• A new dessert offering 
• Animal Kingdom puppets
• New Year's Eve in Walt Disney World

 

New Year's Eve

Jayne starts off, by talking about some things you could do out of the parks but to still remain inside the Walt Disney World bubble. Then, Michelle looks at some of the high-end offerings, which come with a range of fireworks views, characters and food options.  

Lower Cost Ideas 

Simplest approach would to be enjoy your resort hotel and all that it has to offer. Or perhaps a venture into Disney Springs might be an option; all the hustle and bustle of a New Years Eve but without the expense. Lots of counter service options available to celebrate the New Year festivities with.

Or perhaps this is the ideal time to take a Monorail tour of the Magic Kingdom resorts; a selection of lovely lounges and yummy counter service foods on offer and an opportunity to watch the evenings fireworks from a beach!

Park Packages

There is a range of options being offered by Disney and we have given brief details of them below.  

Toledo, Grand Destino Tower at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

For $400 per person you will experience a rooftop extravaganza to dance the night away with flamenco guitar, indulge in cocktails, enjoy a traditional Spanish New Years feast with multiple food stations...Oh and Mickey & Minnie will be there too!

Mezzanotte at Topolino's, Disney's Riveria Resort

At the new Riveria Resort there is an elegant affair to attend. Enjoy European inspired buffets, food stations, tapas and more. This rooftop location will include a DJ, champagne toasts and views of the fireworks at both Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. And the cost? $550 per person.

Elegant Evening Under The Stars, California Grill
Over at the Contemporary you can ring in the New Year with an elegant toast, marvelous entertainment and some of your favourite Disney characters, plus you will have a dazzling rooftop view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. This will all come in at $675 per person!

Ink and Paint Club, The Contemporary
Still at the Contemporary this event takes a step back in time to pay tribute to the Ink and Paint department of Walt Disney Studios and the days when animated legends first graced the silver screen. The evening will include multiple food stations, a pianist and an appearance from Mickey & Minnie and comes in at $499 per person

Pixar Party
For a more family friendly event, also at the Contemporary, you will find some of your favourite Pixar friends. There will be a Cars-inspired DJ, kids activities, food stations all inspired by Pixar and you will finish the night off with a view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. This comes in at a great price of $199 per person.

Where would you go? Any ideas that we haven't covered? Get in touch and let us know!

Well, that's 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.

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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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