Monday, September 30, 2013

2014 Disney Celebration: Show Your Disney Side

#DisneySide

Updated: 1/7/14

Each and every year, Disney has a new marketing campaign, otherwise known as a celebration.  Past celebrations have included One More Disney Day, Give a Day, Get A Disney Day, Year of a Million Dreams, Happiest Celebration on Earth, Let The Memories Begin, and this year's promotion of Limited Time Magic.

While I'd hinted that the rumors of this year's promotion would be something about showing your Disney side, it now appears that that would be official.  The 2014 Disney Celebration will be known as Show Your Disney Side.

With this new promotion, guests will be invited to share, the fun and excitement they have while in the Disney Parks with the world, using the hashtag #DisneySide via social media.  During this celebration, guests are invited to get in touch with that giddy feeling they get when they step on Disney property.  Disney wants guests to bring out the fun in your family vacation.

During the promotion, Disney wants guests to show off their love of Disney to everyone and why Disney is so much fun and enjoyable.  But you don't just have to show off your Disney Side while you're in the parks.  The best part with this campaign is that you can do it anywhere.  See something at the mall that makes you think of Disney, share it with the hashtag #DisneySide.  Made a meal that you can get at Disney? Hashtag it, #DisneySide.  For example, I made a No Way Jose (ice cream sundae) a few days ago and sent it out via social media with #DisneySide prominent.  There are a ton of ways to share your Disney Side with the world. 

Here are a couple of commercials showcasing what this campaign really means:






Personally, I like the lighthearted nature that this campaign seems to bring and I hope that continues.  Too often lately I've felt that Disney has relied on sap and nostalgia while that isn't a bad thing, it's nice to see a different spin on a promotion.

Are you excited about this new celebration?  Or does it seem like another of the same?  Let me know on Facebook or in the comments.

Also, if you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...pin the photos on Pintrest, hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here!  Also, make sure to LIKE our Facebook page and find me on Twitter, I'm @RikkiNibs

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Walt Disney World News and Rumors 9/23/13 - 9/29/13





News and Rumors are gathered from various different sources. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken as such.

News

Magic Kingdom

  • Two new parade floats have been announced for the upcoming Festival of Fantasy parade which debuts this spring.  They are a Little Mermaid float and a Brave float.  The Celebrate a Dram Come True parade ends Dec. 20 with encore performances Jan. 1 - 4. 
  • The Christmas Day Parade taping is scheduled to be taped on December 6 and 7.
  • A new Peter Pan and Wendy meet and greet area can be found over by the old Fantasyland bathrooms. 


Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Minnie Mouse has a new meet and greet area located inside the Magic of Disney Animation building in the Animation Courtyard.



Disney Resorts

  • Changes are coming to the feature pools.  First, the feature pools will all be enclosed with fences.  Second, lifeguards will now be stationed on site all day, from either 7 or 9 am (depending on the season) until 11 pm.  After that, the pools will close for the evening.  Quiet pools will remain open all day, as of right now.

 
General WDW News

  • This week's Limited Time Magic is a Chalk Art Festival which takes place Oct. 4 - 6. 


Rumors

  • Miyuki, the Candy Lady in Japan will be ending her show in November.
  • A Frozen monorail wrap is supposedly coming in November to Monorail Blue. (Frozen-rail?) 
  • Talking Mickey was supposedly tested recently and it's being rumored that he could be coming out soon changing the name of the meet and greet from Backstage Magic with Mickey to Magic Words with Mickey.  
  • Now I'm hearing that Fastpass+ WILL have some day of capacity.  
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Thursday, September 26, 2013

Epcot Food and Wine Festival Dining Options For Picky Eaters



Tomorrow is the official start of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.  It is such an amazing time of year...my favorite to be exact...and I am getting anxious about my trip next week to experience the event myself.  (This is the first time I haven't been down there on opening weekend...this is a bit weird.)

With that in mind, I thought I'd take a look at some of the different booths and discuss what items I, an extremely picky eater, would most want to try and why.  And given that I don't drink and really only like milk and water and coffee, I'm only looking at the food options.

So, without further adieu: 

Terra:

    • Trick’n Chick’n Curry with Basmati Rice featuring Gardein™ Chick’n Breast
    • Chili Colorado with House-made Chips and Cashew Cheese featuring Gardein™ Beefless Tips*
    • Chocolate Cake with Coconut Mousse and Passion Fruit Sauce
While I'm not a big vegan fanatic...if I had to choose one dish, this one sounds the most interesting.  I mean cheese made from cashews...what?

Brazil (All-New Menu):

    • Seared Scallop with Ragout of Tomatoes, Peppers, Hearts of Palm and Steamed Rice
    • Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Onions, Avocado and Cilantro
 My option here is the one I'm most excited about.  I am a SUCKER for scallops.  They are up there as my favorite seafood option ever.  If these are on the menu, I'm trying it and this is a different way than I've ever had a scallop, so, it's intriguing. 

Argentina:

    • Beef Empanada
    • Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée
 Having already tried the beef empanada, which I actually found to be quite dry, the beef skewer is what I'd go with.  Though, as a person who's nervous to try stuff, the chimichurri sauce scares me...it's green. 

Australia:

    • Garlic Shrimp with Roasted Tomatoes, Lemon Myrtle and Rapini
    • Grilled Lamb Chop with Mint Pesto and Potato Crunchies
    • Pavlova (Crispy Meringue Shell with Fresh Driscoll’s® Berries and Vanilla Custard)
This one is tough....but I think my winning option is going with the Garlic Shrimp.  How can you go wrong with garlic?  Again, I'm a sucker for seafood and while the Pavlova sounds intriguing, I'm sure there will be a lot of other desserts I'd choose later. 

Mexico:

    • Shrimp Taco with Purple Cabbage
    • Taco de Ribeye with Salsa de Chipotle
    • Rice Pudding
I'm going with the ribeye taco.  It sounds simply lovely.  

Singapore:

    • Lemongrass Chicken Curry with Coconut and Jasmine Rice
    • Seared Mahi Mahi with Jasmine Rice and “Singa” Sauce
The options from the Aisian countries are always hardest for me because, well truthfully, it's not my favorite type of food.  I think I would like to try the Mahi Mahi.  It has the most potential for me.

China:
    • Mongolian Beef in a Steamed Bun
    • Black Pepper Shrimp with Sichuan Noodles
    • Chicken Potstickers
    • Silky Spun Ice with Toppings (three flavors: Coconut, Strawberry, Chocolate)
 Full well thinking I was going to choose the silky spun ice...which sounds yummy...I ended up choosing the potstickers.  I had some darn good potstickers (something I was nervous, but just decided to try) on the cruise and these sound just as appealing. 

South Korea:

    • Kimchi Dog with Spicy Mustard Sauce
    • Lettuce Wrap with Roast Pork and Kimchi Slaw
I told you that the Asian countries were hard...and neither of these sound all that appealing.  I'm going with the lettuce wrap. They can keep the slaw.   

Africa:

    • Berbere Style Beef with Onions, Jalapeños, Tomato, Okra and Pap
    • Spinach and Paneer Cheese Pocket
This used to be one of my favorite booths.  They served up a beef tenderloin with sweet potatoes each year.  This is the first year they have changed that formula.  I've heard great things about the spinach and cheese pocket, so I would be excited to try that.  

Cheese:

    • Almond Crusted Blue Cheese Soufflé with Fig Jam
    • Artisan Cheese Selection: Flagship Reserve Cheddar, La Bonne Vie Triple Crème Brie, Wijngaard
    • Goats Gouda
Mmm...the country of cheese....I am a sucker for gouda...give me the gouda!

Germany:
    • Schinken Nudel (Pasta Gratin with Ham & Cheese)
    • Roast Bratwurst in a Pretzel Roll
    • Apple Strudel with Werther’s Original Karamel and Vanilla Sauce
I really like the apple strudel, but to try something new, I'm going with the Skhinken Nudel.  It sounds like it would be interesting and I believe it's a new menu option. 

Poland:

    • Kielbasa and Potato Pierogie with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream
    • Zapiekanki (Toasted Mushroom, Caramelized Onion and Cheese Bread with House-made Ketchup)
Wow...Poland throws down with two things that make me nervous.  Being picky, the kielbasa sounds the least scary. 

Italy:

    • Ravioli de formaggio all’emiliana
    • Salsiccia e ‘Papacelli” Napoletani
    • Cannoli al Cioccolato
 I have always wanted to try the ravioli here...it's been on my list, but I've never gotten around to it.  So it makes the list again.

Hops & Barley:
    • Lobster Roll with Lemon Herb Mayonnaise
    • New England Clam Chowder with a side of Tabasco®
    • Craisin® Bread Pudding with Grand Marnier Anglaise
    • Griddled Lobster Tail with Garlic Herb Butter
Throwing down with the gridded lobster....yes please!

Florida Local:

    • Florida Grass Fed Beef Slider with Monterey Jack and Sweet & Hot Pickles
    • Florida Shrimp Ceviche with Fire Roasted Vegetables and Micro Cilantro
The beef slider is new this year, and while yes, I get that it's just a cheeseburger...it sounds darn delicious.  This one takes the cake.  
Japan:
    • California Roll
    • Spicy Hand Roll
    • Teriyaki Chicken Hand Roll
    • Youki Tofu topped with Miso Sauce, Edamame and Served with Grilled Vegetables
Seriously...I hate sushi....this is THE HARDEST booth for me to choose something from.  So, I'm gonna go with the teriyaki chicken hand roll...there's no seaweed wrap over that, is there?  
Morocco:
    • Kefta Pocket
    • Harissa Chicken Roll
    • Baklava
I am a sucker for baklava...it's one of my favorite things and I don't get it enough.  Sold.

New Zealand:
    • Gratinated Green Lip Mussels with Garlic and Herbs
    • Lamb Meatball with Spicy Tomato Chutney
    • Venison Sausage with Pickled Mushrooms, Baby Arugula and Black Currant Reduction
I would really be intrigued to try the lamb meatball.  It sounds just fancy enough to be a bit of a stretch for me and just normal enough to be something that I could be ok with.

Belgium:
    • Potato and Leek Waffle with Braised Beef
    • Belgian Waffle with Warm Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Cream
    • Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote featuring Driscoll’s® Berries and Whipped Cream
I really want to try the Waffle with chocolate...simple yet delicious.
France:
    • Escargots Persillade en Brioche (Garlic and Parsley Snails in Brioche)
    • Boeuf Bourguignon (Braised Short Ribs in Cabernet with Mashed Potatoes)
    • Crème Brûlée au Chocolat au Lait (Chocolate Milk Crème Brûlée topped with Caramelized Sugar)
I always get the creme brulee...but this time, I want to try something different, so I'm trying the braised short ribs...they sound quite yummy

Ireland:

    • Lobster and Seafood Fisherman’s Pie
    • Kerrygold Cheese Selection: Reserve Cheddar, Dubliner with Irish Stout, Skellig
    • Warm Chocolate Pudding with Bailey’s® Custard
I always get the Fisheman's Pie...it's quite delicious....this year, they've added the warm chocolate pudding...it's got chocolate...I think it's gonna be in my belly.

 Canada:

    • Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup
    • Seared Rainbow Trout with Bacon, Frisee and Maple Minus 8 Vinaigrette
    • “Le Cellier” Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce
The Beef Filet is so so good.  It's covered in truffle butter sauce!  Plus, I can pick off the mushrooms.  

Greece:

    • Taste of Greece: Grilled & Marinated Calamari, Hitipiti, Eggplant Dip, Olives and Pita Bread
    • Griddled Greek Cheese with Pistachios and Honey
    • Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce
    • Spanakopita
    • Dannon Oikos® Light & Fit Blueberry Greek Yogurt
I've heard that the gridded Greek cheese is super good.  I think I want to try that this year.  

Refreshment Port:

    • Dole® Pineapple Fritters
    • Fried Shrimp with Dole® Pineapple Sweet and Sour Sauce
    • Fried Chicken Chunks with Dole® Pineapple Sweet and Sour Sauce
    • Orange Dole® Whip
Hello Fried Shrimp!  I think you will do nicely.  Though the pineapple fritters are intriguing too.  
Desserts & Champagne:
    • Chocolate Orange Cupcake
    • Hazelnut Chocolate Cheesecake
    • Morello Cherry Pistachio Mousse
    • Dessert Trio
    • Guylian Belgian Chocolate Seashell Truffles
    • Frozen S’mores
I don't even know what it is...but I really want to try the frozen smores.  I'm a sucker for smores.   (Seriously...half of my dessert pins I've pinned on Pinterest are of smores desserts.)

Hawai’i:

    • Kahlua Pork Slider with Sweet and Sour Dole® Pineapple Chutney and Spicy Mayonnaise
    • Tuna Poke with Seaweed Salad and Lotus Root Chips
I mean, really, it's not even worth mentioning the other option.  It's clear the pork slider is the winner.  Minus the mayo, cause...ew.
Scotland (New):
    • Seared Scottish Salmon with Cauliflower Puree, Watercress and Malt Vinaigrette
    • Vegetarian Haggis with Neeps and Tatties-Griddled Vegetable Cake with Rutabaga and Mashed Potatoes
    • Scottish Banoffee Tart with Bananas, Scottish Whisky Toffee, Walkers Shortbread Crumbles and Sweet Cream
The Banoffee tart sounds quite delicious...you can't go wrong with toffee and bananas.  

Ok...so, while it may sounds like I hate all food in my listing of what this picky eater would try, really there a lot of things that once I get there and see in person, are actually more delicious than they sound.  (To me, visual means a ton in eating.)  I can't wait to actually get in the parks and try some of the dishes that are favorites, as well as some new winners.

If you are headed down to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, I strongly urge you to pick up the DFB Guide to the 2013 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.  Keep in mind, that you are supporting the blog by clicking the link

What items would you choose if you were a picky eater but had to pick one?  Let me know in the comments section or on the Facebook page.  

Also, if you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...pin the photos on Pintrest, hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here!  Also, make sure to LIKE our Facebook page and find me on Twitter, I'm @RikkiNibs

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Walt Disney World News and Rumors 9/16/13 - 9/22/13






News and Rumors are gathered from various different sources. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken as such.

News


Magic Kingdom

  • Splash Mountain's annual winter refurbishment will last from Jan. 6th - March 22nd. 
  • Tomorrowland Speedway will see a refurb from Jan. 6th - 12th.
  • Casey's Corner will be closed from Jan. 6th - Feb. 15th. 


Epcot

  • The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival is scheduled to take place from March 5th - May 18th.  A few things are returning, such as the Marketplace Food Booths, the Cars Playground, Tinker Bell's Butterfly House, and HGTV stars.  
  • Steven Curtis Chapman rounds out this year's list of celebrities from Candlelight Processional.  He will perform the show from Dec. 23rd - 25th. 


Disney's Animal Kingdom

  •  Bamboo, the living statue, will be ending it's run on Sept. 23rd. 



General WDW News

  • This week's Limited Time Magic celebrates Pirates.  From Sept. 23rd - 29th, The Rusty Cutlass Band will be found in Caribbean Plaza and guests will be able to meet Captain Hook, Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates, and Pirate Goofy.  A pre-parade will also take place featuring some of the kids who took part in The Pirates League each day. 
  • The Polynesian has officially been announced at the next Disney Vacation Club Resort. 



Download the ALL NEW DFB Guide to the 2013 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.  It's officially F&W time!



Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Top 10 Walt Disney World Attraction That Just Make You Happy



Every attraction makes me happy!  Done!  Today's blog post is finished.  :)

Ok....seriously though...while pretty much every Disney attraction brings the happiness quotient up, there are some that just always seem to stand out as just a bit more euphoric than others.  Today, I thought I'd take a look at my Top 10 and I want you to share yours with me too when all is said and done.  Trust me...this is a LOT harder than it looks!

10.  The Gran Fiesta Tour:  Found at Epcot, this attraction, which is situated in the Mexico pavilion has you on the hunt for el Donald himself.  Where is he?  I don't know....but you'll have fun trying to find him on this enchanting boat ride.

9.  Mickey's Philharmagic:   Ok...maybe I have a thing for Donald, as you follow along while he gets into trouble (per usual) in different scenes of classic Disney movies.  This 3D movie found in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom gets things jumping with great music, as well as beloved characters from some of your favorite movies of all time.  (Like Peter Pan, Ariel, Simba, and Aladdin.) It's a great show for the whole family that shouldn't be missed.

8.  Space Mountain:  How can you not enjoy this roller coaster in the dark that's situated in Tomorrowland?  You have dips, turns, drops, music, and fun.  The best part, is that the attraction really isn't going that fast.  Nope...only 26 miles per hour.  Really...there's nothing more to say about this super fun attraction, except ride it!

7.  Soarin:  This one is low on thrills (well, to many) but has a really cool concept of hang gliding over the state of California.  Found inside the Land Pavilion at Epcot, this attraction takes you through many different landscapes of the state.  Add to it smell-o-vision (my favorite...the sea smell near the end) and the majestic soundtrack and you have an attraction that you just can't help but smile when you get off it.

6.  Finding Nemo - The Musical:  Wow...what a show!  Based off the movie and found in Animal Kingdom, this 40 minute stage show really floors me!  The sets are fantastic, the puppets and their puppeteers are truly talented, and the music is darn catchy.  If you aren't humming "Go With The Flow" (my favorite) when you get out of there, it's only because you're humming "Big Blue World."  Happiness accomplished!

5.  Splash Mountain:  You have to love the Magic Kingdom mountain range.  This flume ride, which drop looks worse than it really is, takes guests through the Briar Patch as the follow Br'er Rabbit who decides to go look for his hearts desire, gets into a sticky mess with bad guys Br'er Fox and Br'er Bear on his tail, and realizes that he actually had it good in the Briar Patch...but is it just a little too late?  You'll just have to find out and you'll be thrilled doing so.

4.  Rock n' Roller Coaster:  While this Disney's Hollywood Studios attraction may not be for everyone, for those who do take part in it, trust me when I say you'll be smiling from ear to ear the whole time...at least as soon as you are done screaming from the launch!   Then you'll "travel" through "California" as you try to make it to the Aerosmith concert...all the while jammin out to some of their top hits.  Hope you enjoy those backstage passes.  (And I think the pre-show is one of the most quotable in all of WDW.)

3.  Toy Story Midway Mania:  Also found at DHS, this fun for the whole family attraction takes you into the world of the famous Toy Story toys.  The fun of the attraction starts as you wind your way through the queue and encounter some of the fun toys that you'll remember from your childhood.  Once you get to the attraction, the characters have set up the Midway Mania game in Andy's Room and you are here to compete in it by pulling on a string at the 3D screen and shooting virtual ammo.  It is certainly tiring, but when it's all over...you will have a smile on your face as your triumph over your partner next to you.  (Is that just me?)

2.  Pirates of the Caribbean:  It's a classic Disney attraction in the Magic Kingdom.  You can't go wrong with that.  It's got the great creepy intro into the unknown...should you have turned back?  Then, you enter the world of the pirates themselves as they war, search for wives, drink copious amounts of "something", and set the town on fire...really...it's just a typical Friday night, right?  Plus, you'll be singing along, as you search for Captain Jack Sparrow.  It doesn't get better than that. 

1.  Meeting Mickey Mouse:  What can be more joyful than meeting the big cheese himself?  Getting the opportunity to hold audience with Mickey is obviously one of the happiest things you can do in the world. The best part is, you can meet him in all four parks.  He can be found on Main Street USA in Town Square Theater at the Magic Kingdom, in Epcot, he's meeting in the Character Spot, at DHS, you'll find him at the Magic of Disney Animation (dressed as Sorcerer Mickey, by the way) and at Disney's Animal Kingdom, you can catch up with him at the Adventurer's Outpost

Honorable Mention:  it's a small world:  While many believe this to be the happiest attraction ever and I would agree that it certainly makes me happy every time I ride it, many also find the song grating...making them not so happy.  Hence, this spot gets my honorable mention slot because it really depends on who you are, if this attraction really is the Happiest.  :)

So...now it's up to you...what attractions are the ones that make you happiest.  Make sure to leave me a message in either the comments or on my Facebook.  

Also, if you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...pin the photos on Pintrest, hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here!  Also, make sure to LIKE our Facebook page and find me on Twitter, I'm @RikkiNibs

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Walt Disney World News and Rumors 9/9/13 - 9/15/13


News and Rumors are gathered from various different sources. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken as such.

News

Magic Kingdom 
  • The crane will be on site to set up the Castle Dream Lights for the holidays from Sept. 16th - 30th. 

Disney's Animal Kingdom
  • The Dawa Bar will be moving closer to Tusker House.

Downtown Disney 
  • Themed Food Trucks will be arriving to Downtown Disney later this fall.
General WDW News
  • Glow With the Show Ears will be coming to Walt Disney World. 

Rumors  
  • Next week's Limited Time Magic should be Pirate Week.  Pirate Goofy, Jake and Captain Hook will be available for meet and greets and a pre-parade should take place featuring the parade float used during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 
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Sunday, September 8, 2013

Walt Disney World News and Rumors 9/2/13 - 9/8/13





News and Rumors are gathered from various different sources. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken as such.


News


Magic Kingdom

  • Princess Fairytale Hall opens on Sept. 18th. 
  • Prince Eric's Village Market is now open in New Fantasyland. 


Epcot

  • Starbucks at Fountain View is now open. 
  • The Winnie The Pooh meet and greet in the UK is being refurbished.  Pooh and friends are currently meeting in the International Gateway. 


General WDW News

  • Limited Time Magic is the Unleash The Villains Event will take place Sept. 13th.  In addition to what's already been announced, limited edition merchandise can be picked up at Villains in Vogue and will feature a special “Unleash the Villains” t-shirt. Guests can also pick up a spooky kooky gingerbread cookie, a chilling beverage, or Jack Skellington souvenir popcorn bucket.   
  • California Grill reopens this week.  
  • Starbucks will be opening two locations on both the West Side and the Marketplace side.   


Rumors

  • Goofy could be coming back to Character Spot.
  • Terrence will be heading back to Tinker Bell's Magical Nook.



Download the ALL NEW DFB Guide to the 2013 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Dining Review: Be Our Guest Restaurant

As many of you know, I've been excited about this restaurant since it was announced for New Fantasyland.  I mean, part of it is, of course, because of the podcast (I mean, they named it after us, right?) but part of it was because I grew up with Beauty and The Beast.  I pretended to be Belle as a young girl, she was like me, she loved to read!  The movie really struck a cord with me. 

So, when the restaurant opened, I patiently waited for my chance to get to dine here for the first time.  I booked my Advanced Dining Reservation at the 180 day mark, which is a MUST if you want to dine in this establishment.  Otherwise, you aren't getting in.  I even had trouble booking my reservation, having an extremely early dinner seating (at 4:45 pm) available to me.

The day had arrived and I was ready.  We walked up to the podium and easily got into our reservation.  We had originally scheduled a table for 6, but it ended up being just me and my hubby who made it to dinner.  So, it took them a minute to figure out where to seat me.  This was the only bad part of our experience.  Because they didn't have the right spot for us, we got seated in a table that ended up being right in the front of the main ballroom, right next to the door where Beast meets guests.  This Essentially ruined any chance of having a romantic meal...people kept distracting me by trying to get in to meet the Beast.  I can't be too upset though because it was my fault for not bringing the table of six they thought I was.  I just didn't feel as included in "the show" as I felt I could have been.  I did think that the room was beautiful and exactly like it was in the movie.  I also loved the snow effect outside. 

Brian and I looked over the menu and immediately I knew what I'd wanted.  I had heard great things about Thyme-scented Pork Rack Chop with the au gratin macaroni and cheese and seasonal veggies.  It was really good.  Though, to be honest, I much preferred the creamy mac and cheese and the delicious green beans to the meat.  I could have just eaten those and gotten full!  (I still crave both.)  Brian got the Pan-seared Salmon on Leek Fondue, which is served with mashed potatoes and he thought it was outstanding.



It was then time for dessert.  I was super ready for this.  I had been wanting to try the Triple Chocolate Cupcake.  Holy wow!  Was it incredible.  My only little problem...it was REALLY HARD to take off the wrapper!  I didn't want to smash the cupcake, but they really made it hard to take it off delicately. 



We were also celebrating my birthday this trip, with my big day being right around the weekend, so they delivered to me The Grey Stuff!  And...yes...I will say it's delicious.  It's like a cookies and cream icing.  It was very sweet.



After we ate, we went and walked around, since we hadn't been given the tour when we were originally seated.  While I loved the West Wing with the Enchanted Rose, my favorite part was actually the Rose Gallery, with the giant music box featuring Belle and The Beast.  I really loved the pictures that they created for the room.  They were quite creative.

 

We then left and headed in to the Beast's Study to meet the master of the house.  He was perfectly warm and inviting.  A pure gentleman.



Would I go back, yes, I would.  Though, of course, it will be hard to get in there for dinner again.  There are quite a few other options on the menu that appeal to me.  I would certainly try for lunch though.  I think that's a "little" easier to get into, if you can eat during off peak times...like right at open or before it closes for dinner.

I think there are many big draws for this restaurant's popularity.  One is that we've all dreamed about this place and it's been created so realistically.  It's new, which is going to have a large appeal to it.  You can officially drink alcohol at the Magic Kingdom here.  And finally, prices really aren't that bad.  They are much more reasonable than one would expect.  Add that to the fact that toe food is really good, much better than most other Magic Kingdom restaurants, and you'll see why this is such a hard get for dinner.  (And, yes, lunch too.)

Have you been to Be Our Guest Restaurant yet for either lunch or dinner?  What were your thoughts on the place?  If not, what excites you most about dining here?  Let me know in the comments or on Facebook

Also, if you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...pin the photos on Pintrest, hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here!  Also, make sure to LIKE our Facebook page and find me on Twitter, I'm @RikkiNibs

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Walt Disney World News and Rumors 8/26/13 - 9/1/13





News and Rumors are gathered from various different sources. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken as such. 


News


Magic Kingdom

  • Celebrate the Magic Castle Projection Show will see a Villains version through Nov. 1st. 


Epcot

  • Starbucks opens at the Fountain View on Sept. 4th. 


Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • The Limited Time Magic event happening called Unleash the Villains is getting set for Sept. 13.  The park will have guests taking part in Hades Hangout dance party with dancers and Evil Henchmen.  Guests will get to boogie down with 13 of Disney's baddest.  Don't miss the Villainy in the Sky fireworks show too!  The party will last from 8 pm - 1 am. 
  • From Sept. 2 - 12, take part in the Hollywood Character Dance Jam at the the stage in front of the Hat.  



Downtown Disney

  • The parking garage for Downtown Disney (Disney Springs) is expected to open in Fall of 2014. 
  • Direct bus service from Animal Kingdom to Downtown Disney will be testing throughout the months of Sept. and Oct.  The service will run from 3 pm - 1 am. 


Disney Resorts

  • The Neverland Club at Disney's Polynesian Resort will be closed for a lengthy refurb from Jan. 1st - March 31st.

General WDW News

  • This week's Limited Time Magic is the Fall Trolley Show at the Magic Kingdom, which will run throughout the autumn season.  
  • The rules have changed in regards to stroller rental companies at Walt Disney World.  As of today, only preferred vendors that Disney has approved will have the ablility to pick up and drop off not only strollers, but other popular rental item, as well. These items include rented cribs and accessories, playpens, booster seats, high chairs, baby toys, car seats, baby activity devices, diaper genies, changing tables, etc.  Disney cast members will no longer be able to help with the rental process by temporarily storing products from any unapproved vendors.
  • Twinings will continue to be the official tea of Walt Disney World.


Rumors


  • Princess Fairytale Hall should open in the Magic Kingdom on Sept. 18th. 
  • Pirates Week for Limited Time Magic could see guests meeting Captain Jack Sparrow, Barbossa, and maybe Angelica.  We also may see a pre-parade before the 3:00 parade. 


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