Magical Blogorail: Best Disney Photo Spots

Welcome to those of you joining me from A World View and those of you just hopping aboard. I am the 3rd stop on our Magical Blogorail.

Today the men of Growing Up Disney look at some of the best Disney Photo Spots.

First up, Ridge gives his Ideas for photo OPS at Walt Disney World.

Disney does a good job of providing signage for photo spots around the parks but there are other great places to get a photo that may not be marked.

• The Castle, this great icon doesn’t have a terrible spot, recently I have gotten to where I love the back of the castle with all of its windows more than the front. It looks especially nice at night. 

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  Cinderella Castle

  New Fantasyland, Gaston’s fountain is a neat spot and with it lined up just right the antlers on the sign to the tavern give the statue an awesome look. It’s a nice bit of whimsical. The front doors at Be Our Guest, with the lion statues are going to quickly become a favorite.

• The Rose garden, you can shoot the flowers or people from many angles and still come up with a magical shot that takes minimal effort. Anytime I can sneak the castle in the background I’m going to try.

• Extra standalone features like the Smoke Shop Indian on Main Street or Casey’s Corner statue of Casey are fun little extras to take a picture with or of.

• Epcot has an endless variety of things and people and backdrops to choose from.  Italy, Germany, even the fountain or garden in France. Anywhere in world showcase can be inspiring for pictures. All the features and details that have been placed will make for great pictures.

• Almost anything at night! have tripod will take night pictures. After Illuminations, closing time is coming but you have an hour or more before you start getting swept up from World Showcase. It’s worth the extra lap to get some night shots with no one in them!

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  Tree of Life detail

  Animal Kingdom is so full of ideas it’s hard to pick just one. I like to walk off the main path and stay near to the “river” when the water is clean and not covered with algae.  I’ve gotten a great shot in Asia, that now hangs over my couch and is my current desktop background at work that just was an absolute find.

The Best Photo Spots from DisneyDad:

To me the best photo spots are some of the most photographed and least photographed spots in The World.



Close up of Cinderella Castle

First Cinderella Castle has got to be the most photographed spot at Walt Disney World.  I have pictures dating back to 1973 of the castle. My favorite photo spots are from the left or right of the castle rather than a straight on shot down Main Street.  You can either take an interesting picture of the Castle from here or have a great background for your favorite subject.













Monorail inside EPCOT

At EPCOT there are hundreds of places to take interesting photos.  I have lots of shots of Spaceship Earth taken from different angles, daytime and night.  But one of my favorite shots are of the Monorail as it goes through EPCOT.  There are several places you can take some nice pictures with the monorail.







Butterfly at Disney's Animal Kingdom

At Animal Kingdom I have many photos of the Animals.  And why not.  It is the ANIMAL Kingdom after all.  There are several spots to take some very nice shots of the animals.  Of course PATIENCE is a must to get that special shot as the animals don't always pose just right for you.  And there are so many places to put your favorite subject in front of some beautiful landscapes.  And don't forget not all animals are behind the fence.  Watch for the small animals like a butterfly.

Detail of Chinese Theater
at Disney's Hollywood Studios

For Disney's Hollywood Studios the building facades Down Hollywood Boulevard make some interesting shots.  And of course the Chinese Theater of The Great Movie Ride.  Don't forget the details of the buildings.  Most people rush by and miss the details Imagineers put into the buildings.
















Sign on Christmas shop in Liberty Square

Details, Details, Details.  That is what sets Disney apart from regular "amusement parks".  Everything is there for a reason.  Disney has a back story for everything.  Walt Disney said, "A good story can take you on a fantastic journey."  Take time for the details they can make some great photos.

Know the significance of Kepple?





Thank you for joining us today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is My Dreams Of Disney.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

1st Stop ~ Colorado Mountain Mom

2nd Stop ~ A World View

3rd Stop ~ Growing Up Disney

4th Stop ~ My Dreams Of Disney

Final Stop ~ Disney Donna Kay

Photo Flashback! Christmas Tree at Hollywood Studios

Deb over at Focused on the Magic suggested "December Calendar Shot" as today's theme.  I took this a few weeks ago at Disney's Hollywood Studios.  Despite it's size, it is a fairly simple tree and kicks off the holiday season well.  We used it as a meeting spot before going to see the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.  The Growing Up Disney crew will be sharing photos from those lights and other Christmas decor around Walt Disney World in the weeks leading up to the big day.

~Amy

Magical Blogorail – My Favorite Disney Souvenir

Welcome to those of you joining me from A World View and those of you just hopping aboard. I am the 3rd stop on our Magical Blogorail.

For this edition of Magical Blogorail, Disney Dad shares some thoughts on some of the souvenirs he has collected over the years.

When Amy asked me to write this Blogorail article for Growing Up Disney, I thought; ”what is my favorite Disney souvenir?” I have been going to Walt Disney World since it first opened and have picked up many “things” over the years.  I have the requisite t-shirts, polo shirts, and baseball hats.  I have a few watches and some screensaver programs I picked up over the years.  I bought a wonderful EPCOT 30^th Anniversary print (you can see it here) that I had signed by the artist, Larry Dotson.  We have purchased 3 prints of artwork by David Doss.  I have a copy of the 1980 D-shaped book “The Story of Walt Disney World” we bought at the Magic Kingdom.  And in a drawer is even a plastic wine glass that says EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival (no date, so I don’t know what trip that was from).



My Mickey Mouse Watch

1980 WDW "D" shaped book

All of my Disney baseball hats have collectible pins attached.  I have been asked many times by cast members if I would like to do some pin trading, which I’ve always turned down.  One cast member offered to give me every pin she had for my one, which I respectfully refused.  See, all of my pins are “special” I picked them out because I liked them, not to trade.  Most are attached with a “permanent” catch that replaces the Mickey-eared pin back so they don’t come off easily. (You don’t lose the pins and grandkids can’t pull them off the hat.)  On one hat I have a US Flag-Mickey icon shaped pin that DVC gave to members after 9/11.  I have a pin that looks like a Mickey Mouse Sheriff Badge on one hat.  I bought it because my great-uncle that I grew up next door to always called me “Sheriff” when I was little. I have a “Sorcerer Mickey” pin, as that is my favorite Mickey roll when he appeared in Fantasia.

As I sit here writing this, I have a Mickey Mouse Clock on the wall my wife found at an antique store and there are 3 sericells bought at the Disney Store.  I have on my latest Mickey Mouse watch I bought at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort last January, but none of these are my “favorite”. 

The three sericels in my "computer room"

As strange as it seems my favorite “souvenir” from my trips may just be the Mickey Mouse socks I am wearing.  I have a drawer full of the short top white Mickey Mouse socks and I wear them almost every day.  If I have on a pair of “casual” - tennis/athletic/walking - shoes, I have on my Mickey socks.  Mickey Mouse socks – my favorite “souvenir” I have bought at WDW. 

My Mickey Mouse Socks

My absolute favorite souvenir that I have brought back on every trip I have ever been on are the memories.  

• I went to the Disney Preview Center in 1970.  
• I have memories of going with my parent when the Magic Kingdom first opened in December, 1971.  I remember how tickled my mother got when, on the Jungle Cruise, she thought an elephant was going to “reload” its trunk and squirt my dad. 
• I remember taking my new bride to the Magic Kingdom on our honeymoon on Christmas Eve 1973. 
• I remember sitting on Main Street, USA with my daughter to watch the 3 o’clock parade when she was 3 or 4. 
• I remember the joy of my son on his first trip and the Chip and Dale stuffed animals he had to bring home (which Ridge still has). 
• I remember taking my in-laws and how much fun they had and my Mother-in-law (who had been sick) telling my Father-in-law that he “was tired, and he needed to go back to the room.”  To which he replied “I am?” then turning to us said; “I guess I’m tired, so I’m going back to the room.” 
• I cheered my daughter along as she ran the Disney Marathon in 2005 and Mom and I ran the “we’ve got to get to the next park to see her run through” marathon.  We met with the wedding planners the next day. 
• I remember walking my daughter down the aisle at the Wedding Pavilion and how happy she was and I was able to perform the wedding service to marry her and my new son(-in-law). 
• When my father passed away, after the funeral, my wife and I went to WDW for a few days to “decompress”.  Amy asked could she come and crash on our couch at Old Key West.  The first night there as we watched Illuminations, she told us she was expecting.  Anyone watching us probably thought we’d never seen fireworks before. 
• A few years later I took my granddaughter (Tink) by the hand on her first steps on Main Street (see the GrowingUpDisney logo for a picture of that).  
• I repeated that memory with my second granddaughter (Minnie), holding her hand on her first steps down Main Street.
• We learned of Minnie coming at dinner at Olivia’s at Old Key West when Amy brought Tink out wearing a shirt that said “I’m the BIG SISTER”.

There are so many more memories I have of trips to WDW over the years.  The memories I have brought back from WDW have to be the absolutely best souvenir.  We try to share some of those memories at Growing Up Disney.  I hope you enjoy them too.  There are even pictures of some of them.


Walt Disney World 1973

--Disney Dad

Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is My Dreams Of Disney.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

1st Stop ~ Colorado Mountain Mom

2nd Stop ~ A World View

3rd Stop ~ Growing Up Disney - You are here.

4th Stop ~ My Dreams Of Disney

Final Stop ~ Disney Donna Kay

WDW from the UK Perspective: Nine's Disney Adventures Continue

Hello!

You join me today with just 12 days left till our first family holiday with our 2.5 year old DD Tink to WDW. While I won't bore you with an hour by hour guide to what we plan to do on our 2 week vacation I thought I would share with you a basic itinerary.

Sat 22/9
Fly to Florida!
Straight to hotel - if Tink has slept on plane/in car may just grab something from Taco Bell for dinner, if not DH will drop us off and just pick up a couple of sandwiches from the hotel shop.

Sun 23/9
Hollywood Studios
Since we'll be up at the crack of dawn we will just have a quick breakfast in the room then head to HS for rope drop. Straight to ToyStory Mania - DH to get FP and Tink and I to the regular line. Depending on when Tink woke up we may just spend an hour or so here before heading back to the hotel for a nap/rest. Lunch will probably again just be a quick sandwich from the hotel shop.
After nap we plan to head to Super Target to stock up on supplies for the room and then grab something easy for dinner, like Subway.

Mon 24/9
Animal Kingdom
Today we will head to Ponderosa for breakfast as early as possible, then get to AK for opening. Again we'll just see how long Tink lasts in the park but aim to at least see some of the animals in Rafikis Planet Watch and do the Kilimanjaro Safari. Plan to just grab a pizza from Pizzafari to share. Then back for a sleep and a wonder around LBV and probably just a Quiznos for dinner.

Tues 25/9
Magic Kingdom
The day I can't wait for! Breakfast in the room and off to MK for opening. Straight to meet Mickey then off to Tink's fave, It's a Small World. Hoping for early lunch at Cosmic Rays then back to hotel for nap/rest. Maybe back to MK for another hour, if not just another explore, maybe a quick visit to LBV Outlet. Cici Pizza for dinner.

Wed 26/9
Animal Kingdom
Golden Corral for buffet breakfast then off to AK again. Hopefully stay a bit longer to see the Lion King or Nemo and just grab fruit cup, pretzel for snack. Back to hotel then maybe DTD? TGI Friday's for dinner.

Thur 27/9
EPCOT
Quick breakfast in the room then off to EPCOT. Head to Spaceship Earth. Can imagine we'll spend a lot of time in the water fountains. Hoping each day to stay a bit longer, so we aim to have lunch in the American Pavilion. Then it's back to the Hotel for a nap then over to Prime/Premium for a shop. Dinner at Sweet Tomatoes.

Fri 28/9
Magic Kingdom
Breakfast at IHOP then off to MK ASAP. Straight to meet the Princesses then back to Fantasyland or else! Hoping for lunch at Pecos Bills then back for a nap. Back to MK for bit more then grab a quick dinner at Chick-Fil-A (for DH and Tink anyway!)

Sat 29/9
No parks!
Today we'll grab a coffee/donut/bagel from Dunkin Donuts then just have a relax and swim in the morning. After lunch (a quick bite in the room) and nap we'll head off to City Walk. Here I must have a Cinnabon! We'll just soak up the atmosphere and have dinner in Hard Rock.

Sun 30/9
Magic Kingdom
Perkins for breakfast today, looking forward to their bakery! Then off to MK again. Today is meet the Fairies day. We may just grab some fries for lunch if we've filled up at breakfast or head to Pinocchio Village Hause. Hotel for nap then back to DTD. Wendy's for dinner tonight.

Mon 1/10
EPCOT
Quick breakfast in the room and straight over to EPCOT for it's birthday. We aim to be there ASAP but only stay an hour. Then it's off to Fudruckers for an early lunch then nap. Then off to the Altamonte Mall. Tea will just be something like Subway from the food court. Hoping to stop at a Dairy Queen for ice cream.

Tues 2/10
Hollywood Studios
Today we have our first ever ADR and character breakfast at Hollywood and Vine, Play n Dine is a buffet breakfast with June from Little Einsteins, Jake, Oso and Handy Manny. It's not til 1025 so we aim to wander around HS for a bit first and after. Hotel for a nap and then back to HS, must make sure we fit in Beauty and the Beast. Dinner tonight will be my fave - Olive Garden.

Wed 3/10
EPCOT
Our 2nd ADR and character breakfast is at Cape May on the Boardwalk with Minnie, Donald and Goofy! This is at 935 so will then head back into EPCOT to do anymore we missed before. Back for a nap and maybe a quiet afternoon in the pool with a quick trip to Mall at Millenia. Dinner tonight is at Denny's.

Thur 4/10
Magic Kingdom
Breakfast in the room today after 2 big Disney buffets in a row! Back to MK and lunch at either Cosmic Rays or Pinocchio's. Hotel for a nap then off to the Florida Mall. Dinner at Sizzlers tonight.

Fri 5/10
Magic Kingdom
Ponderosa or Golden Corral for breakfast then back to MK again. Imagine just a snack for lunch, maybe a cinnamon roll from Main St Bakery! Hotel for nap then off to see Celebration hoping some pumpkins might be out by now. Dinner at Rainforest Cafe if we can get in and final shop at DTD.

Sat 6/10
Fly Home
Hoping to get late check out. May head out breakfast or probably just have final relax by pool/swim. DTD for lunch so I can have my Caprese from Earl of Sandwich then off to Sanford to fly home.

Since there is now Wi-Fi in MK and in our hotel I'm hoping to send some live tweets and FB updates which Amy can update the blog with!

If not, be sure to check back in October to see how it all went!


Contributed by Janine P. of Swindon, England. She is a proud wife, mommy to Felicity and one of our Minnie Moms. Check out her monthly series which followed her as she planned her family's first trip to Disneyland Paris. Learn more about Janine here.

Photo Flashback-- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!

Welcome to the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!

http://picasion.com

Enjoy this animation of Indy avoiding the spikes!

Our New Flickr Page!!!

So with all the pictures I took on our recent trip to the "World" I figured it would be nice to be able to share them. You can see my start here:http://www.flickr.com/photos/growingupdisney/

Hope you all enjoy. I will be working on these for a while. If you like them or have any tips on taking photos, please, please leave a comment.

Thanks,
Ridge

A Great Excuse for Carrot Cake Cookies

This past weekend at Walt Disney World was filled with all sorts of events from many different podcasts and blogs/sites. We had already planned a trip for late October by the time I heard about the fun. So, I decided I should coordinate something for those of us visiting the World around Halloween.  If you'll be there, please come by and say hello.  It will be very low-key.  Just a chance for an afternoon snack and some time to chat with other Disney fans.  To those of you who have already responded, we can't wait to meet you!!!

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What: Growing Up Disney Meet

When: Saturday, October 30, 2010, 2-4:00pm
Where: Writer's Stop, Disney's Hollywood Studios

For more info, visit http://plancast.com/p/2as2. Click the "Count Me In" button if you think you'll be joining us.

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In case you haven't tried the wonderful carrot cake cookies, which are the specialty of the house at Writer's Stop and the reason we chose this location, read on for Ridge's review below.

I have to give full credit to Lou Mongello for bringing this delectable morsel to my attention.  If you don't know what this is, let me see if I can paint you a picture in words because the name doesn't do it justice.  

Scene: our hero sets off to the Studios at rope drop to go on a mission, OK 2, possibly 3 missions. 

1: buy a special edition Jedi Mickey Mouse and Astromech droid with mouse ears for one of my best friend's soon-to-be step-son, 2: ride Star Tours one last time before it goes down for rehab (and hallelujah for that, I am a fan and all but it has needed updating for at least 10 years, but I digress...) and 3: buy a carrot cake cookie. 

Mission 1 & 2 accomplished; on to 3.  At $3.19 tax and all and the thing is the size of a Frisbee, it's worth making a visit to the Writer's Stop.  The Writer's Stop is on the way to Star Tours just past the Sci-Fi Drive-in.  It is as one might guess by the punny name, a book store, and what goes great with intellectuals and books?  Coffee and incredible baked goods.  Why Yes!  Sounds fantastic.  I'll have one of those and one of those. 

So to the cookie.  Take two half inch thick, 6 to 8 inch in diameter disks of carrot cake and sandwich between them a decadent cream cheese icing.  If I was guessing I would say the thing weighs in at a pound, a good 12 ounces at least.  It was pure joy to all those who love some carrot cake.  (And if you don't love some carrot cake and it's not because you have some kind of allergic reaction that would cause death...What is wrong with you? If your allergic reaction is not strong enough to cause death, this treat is really worth suffering through a little itchiness.)  It fed five adults with one cookie; however, I bought four of them as well as one chocolate chip and one white chocolate chip macadamia nut cookie. What if I really liked it? I certainly wasn't going to get back on that bus and suffer the slings and arrows to go back, it's all about planning ahead. Anyway all that came in just under 20 bucks. I say that was the best deal I got all day.

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If you'd like to make your own carrot cake cookies, Ashley recently shared a recipe for them over at The Disney Driven Life.

A Walk Around The World With Ridge--Star Tours

On arrival at Walt Disney World in 1991 Star Tours was tops on my list, being a Star Wars fan and 10 years old. I doubt I would have believed you if you told me none of it was real. I don't always take pictures but I stop and stand in the queue for as long as I can almost every time. On my most recent trip in April of 2010, I made it to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at rope drop and then headed straight to Star Tours. I had to take a commemorative trip knowing that it was going to be closing in September. Also one of my best friends from college was getting married the weekend I came home and I had to pick up a special edition Jedi Mickey and R2-MK for his soon-to-be stepson. What can I say; I had to get myself one too. (I tossed in a picture of me at 18 just for fun.)

I have been a fan of Star Wars for as long as I can remember and the Christmas that I got my VHS release (and not even the enhanced copy) of the trilogy was a big one. I collected the action figures, vehicles and magazines. A small fortune was probably spent in my youth on things we call "collectables." I even have a lightsaber I bought at MGM back in the day. It was one of the first ones that were produced en masse, the Luke Skywalker model. I remember spending all the money I had on it then having to ride 10 hours home with it on my lap because it couldn't fit in the trunk. I think that really shows a little love for Star Wars.

I always loved the attraction in its original form because of the combination of the outdoor and indoor queues made it really feel like you were no longer in Central Florida.

I can't wait to see what the new queue holds in store for us next year. I have been looking around on some of my favorite sites (studioscentral.com, insidethemagic.net endorexpress.net & allears.net as well as disneyparks.com) trying to find any information I can about the outside of the attraction as well. The story line is changing and the time line is changing; it will take place between Episode III & IV. The Ewok village being ominously lorded over by an AT-AT Walker is sure to be removed. So far I haven't seen anything that will indicate what, if any, new outdoor theming there will be. Since I couldn't be at the final flight to Endor, I want thank Rickey over at insidethemagic.net for posting a video of the final flight.

Only a little news has been announced about the future of the attraction. The new version is slated to reopen on May 17, 2011 so only 241 days till it is back. I only hope there is some kind of soft opening for annual passholders or DVC members or even D23 members (that might be my reason to join.) The new attraction is supposed to be in 3D and be a new (older) star speeder. The old one is the 3000 the new one is the 1000 and don't try and think about it, there is a new story that takes place a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. But be assured with Disney Imagineering and George Lucas together, this new venture with have us all heading back at light speed.

A Walk Around The World With Ridge--Take A Break

So inevitably while running 90 to nothing through the Walt Disney World theme parks, you come to a point where you need a break. Whether is caused by exhaustion, too much family togetherness, or a combination of those things, you’ll need to find a little peace and relative quiet, if not quiet relatives. I’ll share a few of my favorites.

Magic Kingdom: If you are keeping up with us here at www.growingupdisney.com, you might have an idea of where I like to go to take a break, Aloha Isle. Who doesn't like Dole Whips? Once you have the Dole Whip in hand, there is a covered area as you are heading towards the restrooms/pass through to Frontierland. In this nook are usually some tables and chairs. It is just off the beaten path but in a place where for some reason most people tend to not see it. That makes it a perfect place to have a rest, a Dole Whip or a Coke and a smile.

Disney's Hollywood Studios: Usually mid-afternoon, when there is the break between the lunch and dinner crowds, I like to head over to Dad's Den, which is the bar/waiting area for the 50s Prime Time Diner. Sit down here and have a Dad's Electric Lemonade and talk with the bartender for a while. They usually have some really good stories. If you're lucky, one of the Streetmosphere performers might just stop by and start up a private show.

Epcot: At Epcot there are just too many good places to take a seat or a nap. If I am in Future World, I like to ride Ellen's Universe of Energy. Most of the time you can get an entire row of the ride vehicle to yourself. However, since they ask you to refrain from eating, drinking or flash photography, just make your way over to the Fountianview Cafe and make time for some ice cream, pastries, coffee, soft drinks. This café has a great view of the fountain and is a nice place to relax. In World Showcase there are many places to have a drink or snack and plenty of benches all over. Growing Up Disney did a team post about our favorite Epcot snacks.

Animal Kingdom: This park is huge, so find a bench and have a seat. I like to watch the shows or take one of the nature walks to relax a bit. Next time I want to make an effort to see Flights of Wonder. In all the years the park has been in operation, I always just walk by and never stop.

So with the literally hundreds of nooks and crannies of Walt Disney World, where do you like to take a break? In the parks or out, let us know.

Team Favorites--In-Park, Non-Character Dining

Ridge: My favorite in-park yet non-character meal spot is The Hollywood Brown Derby. It would have to be one of the best in-park places to get a steak, other than Le Cellier. The steak pictured is no longer on the menu but it was fantastic. It was served with a wasabi emulsion, soy reduction and a reduced pan sauce. The large yellow object was a fried plantain and the steak was cut on the bias and plated with smashed potatoes to hold them in their positions. But enough about those delicious morsels...if you're into that sort of thing.

The Brown Derby is designed after the famous holder of that moniker, which is actually a chain in Hollywood, CA. The Brown Derby restaurants became synonymous with the golden age of Hollywood in the 1920s-1940s. Everyone who was anyone in show business went there. So at the Hollywood Studios the recreation of the original seemed only natural, back when it was a working studio, to bring a bit of class to the park.

Lunch is served from 11:30-3:30pm and dinner is from 3:30- until park closing. One of the eye-catching new items on the menu is the Duck Two Ways: duck with a vanilla-white balsamic melon pear salad and a braised leg with a ginger-carrot puree and natural reduction. Loch Daurt Salmon sounds intriguing: glazed with Scotch whisky over arugula, watercress, local peaches, blue affine, walnuts and a fig and orange blossom honey dressing. Don't forget the signature desert, Grapefruit cake, yellow cake with layers of grapefruit cream icing. It is really good if you are into little morsels of deliciousness exploding in your mouth.


DisneyDad: Over the years my wife and I have had some wonderful and not so wonderful experiences at restaurants in the parks at WDW. My favorite place to dine is always the next place we have reservations. As menus are always changing, I'm always a little disappointed that my favorite dish from my last visit isn't on the menu this trip but then again there is always something new to try. On our last trip we had a very good experience at the Coral Reef Restaurant at the Living Seas Pavilion at EPCOT. We had a table for two next to one of the expansive windows that overlooks the aquarium. We dined on seafood as fish, sharks, turtles, and an occasional diver swam past our table.

Another EPCOT restaurant we enjoy is Le Cellier Steakhouse at the Canadian Pavilion. The steaks here have always been excellent. Apparently I'm not the only one that thinks so as it can be difficult to get reservations here as it is a very popular place to dine. At the Studios I enjoy the food and ambiance of The Hollywood Brown Derby. The drawings on the walls are fascinating, taking you back to an earlier era of Hollywood. The last time we were here a pianist accompanied your meal with some old standards and Disney classics to help make your dining experience more enjoyable. At the Magic Kingdom Cinderella's Royal Table (aka King Stephan's Banquet Hall) use to be a wonderful place to dine. The atmosphere was wonderful and if you had late reservations, it was a fun place to watch the fireworks. It has been changed from a dining experience to just another character meal.


Amy: I got my husband involved in brain-storming for this question and we came up with the following list: Tusker House, Mama Melrose, SciFi, Coral Reef, and Le Cellier.

Tusker House: We went here for lunch last April. Other than date night at Jiko, this was our best meal of the trip. We’re big fans of Boma and this is pretty similar cuisine. My little girl ate better here than anywhere else. The grown-ups enjoyed the seafood stew, salmon, curry dishes, and the carving station with unique sauces for the meat.

Mama Melrose: This was one of my husband’s picks. We went here for lunch in 2006 and were on the Disney Dining plan. He remembered a pleasant atmosphere, good iced tea, and solid Italian food. At the time, DDP gave us each an appetizer, entrée, and dessert. DisneyDad, Mom, Andy, and I each got something different and then we’d all try it. We haven’t been back but I also remember it fondly.

Sci-Fi: I love this place. The menu is never quite what I expect but this is a case where the atmosphere trumps all else. It’s so much fun to go sit in the old cars and watch the cheesy science fiction B-movie clips. It’s usually my top pick at the Studios and I look forward to taking my daughter here. If you’re looking for a foodie experience, go to Brown Derby, but go to Sci-Fi for some unique fun.

Coral Reef: This place has been hit or miss over the years. This was our last meal before heading for the airport on the 2006 trip and that time was marvelous. There were six of us and we had one of the large curved booths overlooking the ginormous aquarium. I still remember the lobster bisque, blackened fish served over grits, and the chocolate wave. The food was wonderful, the service was good, and the atmosphere was fun but refined and relaxing. Fast forward one year. My in-laws joined us for the annual October trip. I had planned everything as was so excited to take them to Coral Reef. The service was incredibly rushed, the food was not good, and it was too noisy for us all to talk. I was so embarrassed that I wanted to crawl under the table. I sincerely hope that was just a bad night since our first trip there was phenomenal.

Le Cellier: My husband lit up when he added this one to the list. This was another Disney Dining plan experience and Andy and Chris were trying to see how much they could “spend” if we had been actually paying for the meal. They both had a great time and a truly delicious meal. I’ve been 3 or 4 times and I really enjoy Le Cellier as well but I feel that it is a little over-hyped in the Disney community.


So that’s what the Growing Up Disney family recommends. What about you? What’s your favorite restaurant in the parks, excluding character dining?

Ridge's Review--Carrot Cake Cookie, the heroin of the Studios

OK, so I have to give full credit to Lou Mongello for bringing this delectable morsel to my attention. If you don't know what this is, let me see if I can paint you a picture in words because the name doesn't do it justice. Scene: our hero sets off to the Studios at rope drop to go on a mission, OK 2, possibly 3 missions. 1: buy a special edition Jedi Mickey Mouse and Astromech droid with mouse ears for one of my best friend's soon to be step son, 2: ride Star Tours one last time before it goes down for rehab (and hallelujah for that, I am a fan and all but it has needed updating for at least 10 years, but I digress...) and 3: buy a carrot cake cookie. Mission 1 & 2 accomplished; on to 3. At 3.19 tax and all and the thing is the size of a Frisbee, it's worth making a visit to the Writer's Stop. The Writer's Stop is on the way to Star Tours just past the Sci-Fi Drive in. It is as one might guess by the punny name, a book store and what goes great with intellectuals and books? Coffee and incredible baked goods. Why Yes! Sounds fantastic. I'll have one of those and one of those. So to the cookie. Take two half inch thick, 6 to 8 inch in diameter disks of carrot cake and sandwich between them a decadent cream cheese icing. If I was guessing I would say the thing weighs in at a pound, a good 12 ounces at least. It was pure joy to all those who love some carrot cake. (And if you don't love some carrot cake and it's not because you have some kind of allergic reaction that would cause death...What is wrong with you? If your allergic reaction is not strong enough to cause death, this treat is really worth suffering through a little itchiness.) It fed five adults with one cookie; however, I bought four of them as well as one chocolate chip and one white chocolate chip macadamia nut cookie. What if I really liked it? I certainly wasn't going to get back on that bus and suffer the slings and arrows to go back, it's all about planning ahead. Anyway all that came in just under 20 bucks. I say that was the best deal I had gotten all day.