474 Disney Cruise Line - Dream Food

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast - show number 474 for Sunday 8th October 2023.

If you would like to listen to the show, whilst reading these notes, click on the link below or find our podcast in all pod-catching places.

On this week's show Jayne discusses the dining options aboard her recent Disney Dream cruise with a focus on the dining rotation offered exclusively by Disney.

Jayne had three restaurants that each offered distinct experiences and menus - Royal Palace, Animator's Palate & Enchanted Garden.

Formal night!

Over the course of her 7 night cruise Jayne was able to experience each restaurant twice with a third visit to the Royal Palace.

Jayne and her husband Simon especially enjoyed the experience at Animator's Palate on their second visit when Simon's artistic skills were put to the test.

Jayne's artwork!

With their amazing servers Roberto & Jayson

With Simon's artwork

Over the course of their cruise they enjoyed a variety of foods and used the opportunity to indulge and try something for the first time - tune in to hear more about their culinary adventure!

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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.    
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DDG 231 - Dining on the Disney Cruise Line Remy Review

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show 231 for Sunday 14th October 2018. 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 weeks show, Michelle is joined by fellow podcasters and holiday buddies Kat & Lewis Sutton from Dis Down Under podcast.

Part of Michelle's last trip to Walt Disney World included a week sailing on the Disney Fantasy where she was joined by Kat & Lewis. Here they all reminisce about their dining experience at Remy.

Welcome cocktail

This was a very high end dining experience and one that was enjoyed by all. The experience started with a choice; the french menu or the US menu...oh and don't forget the water menu!!

Water menus - still & sparking of course!

Michelle chose the US menu and experienced everything from langoustine to halibut to pork to beef and chocolate soup!

French or US??

Halibut

Pork

Beef

Chocolate!!!!

And if that wasn't enough the meal started with some 'Amuse Bouche'...

Parsnip & black pepper crisp

Savoury bites - cauliflowe & Foie gras

...and finished with some sweet treats.

The whole experience was topped off with excellent customer service, beautiful surroundings and some wonderful memories.

So that's about it for this weeks post. If you want to get in touch with us here's how; 
Email us info@disneydreamgirls.com 
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DDG 216 - Plans for a Magical WDW Day

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number for Sunday 1st July 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!

This weeks show sees our good friends from Dis Down Under join Michelle to create the ultimate day in Walt Disney World.

This weeks show saw Michelle posing a question to Kat and Lewis... plan me the perfect day in Walt Disney World. Well the results from the duo are very different indeed!

Lewis decided to attack all four parks in a commando fashion with a rope drop to closing strategy. Along the way, he tried to hit all of his favourite thrill rides and grazed through snacks and counter service offerings.

On the other hand, Kat decided to start with a breakfast at Kona Cafe (and who wouldn't?). Then hitting through two parks with an array of well thought out fastpasses and attractions plus beverages to hit on the way.

What would your strategy be? Which plan do you prefer? Let us know! We would love to hear your feedback.

That is about it for this weeks notes, as usual we encourage you to contact the show in the usual manner.  

Contact us:
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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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