Disney Dream Girls 196 - The Twinkification of the Magic Kingdom

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Coming up on todays show, Michelle and Jayne chat through some historical and recent news items then move on to a feature focussing on Pinocchio in the parks.  

Pinocchio's Daring Journey  
Let’s go back to 1976, when it was decided to remove the Mickey Mouse Club Theater in Disneyland. The plan was to put in a Pinocchio dark ride and this saw guests riding in cars designed to resemble Geppetto's wood-carved toys. However, it was shelved only to be revived to be added into Tokyo Disneyland in 1983. Gone was the toy shaped carts, as guests ride in a non descript ‘wood style’ cart. It then opened in Disneyland a month and a half later as part of a complete overhaul of Fantasyland. Just as originally planned, it is where the Mickey Mouse Club Theater originally stood.

Character Meet and Greets
Pinocchio and Gepetto meet nearly every day in Disneyland Paris, usually in Fantasyland near Bella Notte. However, in the US parks, Pinocchio and Gepetto are tricky to find but they may be found separately in Epcot at the International Gateway or American Adventure.  You can usually find Pinocchio in Fantasyland or World Bazaar at Tokyo Disneyland. 

August 1978 WDW,  Pinocchio and Geppetto along with Stromboli, Lampwick, Gideon, J. Worthington Foulfellow and the marionettes posed together in Fantasyland - photo credit Disney Parks Blog

Sadly the blue fairy has no meets anywhere but sometimes pops up in parades. It is a big no for Stromboli, with no meets anywhere for him. Gideon may meet at EPCOT otherwise it’s over to Paris or Tokyo. If you wan to meet John Worthington "Honest John" Foulfellow , he  can only be met regularly in Fantasyland or the Med Harbor in Tokyo. In previous years he has featured as one of the Villains for Halloween Time at Disneyland CA. 


Pinocchio Themed Eateries

You can eat in a Pinocchio themed restaurant in Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris. They have varied menus and whilst its not the most exciting of food choices, it is solid theme park fare that will suit the fussiest of appetites.

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The Red Rose Taverne, Fantasyland in Disneyland, Anaheim

As a limited time magic experience, the Village Haus counter service in Disneyland has been transformed in to a Beauty and The Beast inspired eatery - namely the Red Rose Taverne.

New Signage

Pre-Transformation Village Haus - Photo Credit Disneyland Website

Despite Jayne and I being over 4,500 miles away, we had to find out more to share with you all. So thanks to our wonderful friend in California, Tiffany Clontz, we are able to bring you pictures of the menu, some of the items on the menu and the interior. In addition, on our podcast 147 (released on Sunday 26th February 2017) we will be discussing this further.

Click to enlarge al pictures

Firstly, the menu. My personal favourite - the pastrami burger - has gone but it has been replaced with a very meatilicious Beast's burger. The fries served with it are identical to the ones offered at Cafe Orleans.

Jayne fancies the Enchanted Cauli-flower sandwich with the tempura green beans. The steak is a thick cut of the vegetable and if you opt to go minus the bun, this will be a paleo dieters delight - if you ignore the tempura and mayo!

Another favourite from the Village Haus for me has been their flatbreads... well there's plenty to choose, from including a version that is Poutinesq - ala fries!

But wait I hear you cry... we want the Grey Stuff (we've been told it is delicious!) well no need to worry, it is available! Tiffany really enjoyed it. Personally, I love the fact it is different to the version offered in Walt Disney World at The Be Our Guest Restaurant. Plus who doesn't love Red Velvet cake!

Various non-alcoholic drinks are available and you can purchase Gaston's brew. For an $8 upcharge, you can get it served in a souvenir stein. Additionally, there are rice crispy treats and Be Our Guest items to purchase. 

So now we have whetted your appetites but what is the interior like? Well as the name suggests, it no longer is the Village Haus but a tavern right out of Beauty and The Beast - namely The Red Rose Tavern. I am led to believe, everything added is removable as it will return to the Village Haus.

The wall murals are stunning and in addition, the main characters get a subtly done shelf and of course Gaston had to 'man' it up a little with some of his hunting trophies!

So what are you waiting for? Official opening is today - 24th February 2017. 

The Disney Dream Girls is a weekly podcast hosted by two Disney-loving English girls. Each show, along with an assortment of guests, they take a realistic look at the world of the Disney theme parks with reviews, history, fun discussion and a heavy dollop of foodie talk. The podcast can be found in all places that hosts podcasts such as iTunes and Stitcher Radio. Alternatively, each Sunday an audio player with show notes is released on our website.

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