As ‘TRON Tuesdays’ continues, we are pleased to share the newly released TRON: Legacy pay-off trailer that is now available. TRON LEGACY hits theaters on December 17th, 2010.
Like TRON on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/Tron.
From a 1930s culinary landmark to a kitschy ‘50s drive-in theater, restaurants at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are inspired by TV and movie sets – part of the park’s Tinseltown fun and whimsy.
Leisurely Fare
50’s Prime Time Cafe. You could be on the set of a classic 1950s sitcom at this family-friendly restaurant where “mom” will remind you to eat all of your vegetables and keep your elbows off the
table – but she’ll allow you to watch TV at the table, with retro TVs tuned in to clips of 1950s sitcoms like “Father Knows Best.” Fill up on golden fried chicken, meatloaf and pot roast or jump right to a peanut butter and jelly milkshake, Prime Time’s signature sip. The adjacent Tune-In Lounge is a cool spot for a late afternoon cocktail such as Dad’s Electric Lemonade. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
The Hollywood Brown Derby. The stylish ambience of the original Hollywood Brown Derby is re-created in the studio’s most upscale restaurant with teak and mahogany accents, reproductions of the chandeliers, signature brass derby hat lamps and caricatures on the walls. The classic Cobb Salad is the restaurant’s most popular entrée, created in the 1930s by the Derby’s then-owner, Bob Cobb. In addition to Derby originals, the menu offers signature dishes such as spice-rubbed black grouper, ahi tuna seared rare and a char-grilled New York strip steak. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Hollywood & Vine. This is a family destination for breakfast and lunch, where little fans can sing along with their favorite “Playhouse Disney” pals, featuring stars including JoJo from “JoJo’s Circus”, Leo from “Disney’s Little Einsteins and Handy Manny.” The buffet includes grown-up favorites such as pot roast, herb-roasted salmon and salads, and a buffet just for kids. At dinner, the ambience is more subdued and the restaurant shows off its Art Deco, 1950s diner décor and a generous buffet with fresh seafood, meats and casseroles – with a sundae station for kids of all ages.
Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano. Tucked on a back street, you’re transported to Little Italy for favorites such as brick-oven pizza, pastas, oak-grilled salmon and pork Marsala. Sip a Moretti beer or Mama’s sangria sold by the carafe. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant. “Terrifying Plants” stalk the planet and “Invaders” touch down from another dimension at this kitschy restaurant that features favorite science fiction and monster flicks teamed with drive-in food, from burgers to pasta and baby back ribs. On a replica of a studio soundstage, the 250-seat restaurant re-creates a 1950s drive-in theater in the middle of Hollywood Hills (without the smog). Diners are seated in flashy, chrome-gilded cars and fiber-optic stars twinkle in the sky. The screen comes to life with trailers from “Cat Women of the Moon,” “Invasion of the Saucerman” and more – a 45-minute reel of the best of science fiction trailers and cartoons. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
For a Fast Bite
From burgers to Cuban sandwiches and fresh fruit and veggies, diverse quick-service options offer something for everyone. ABC Commissary near the Chinese Theatre takes a global approach with chicken curry, fish and chips, Cuban sandwiches and burgers. Backlot Express just steps from “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular” focuses on sandwiches, from grilled vegetables to grilled turkey and cheese, burger and hot dogs, but salads are on the menu, too.
Studio Catering Co. next to “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” Movie Set Adventure serves grilled chicken with black beans and rice, pulled pork sandwiches and Greek and Caesar salads – a full-service bar makes it a popular spot. Adjacent to The Hollywood Brown Derby, Starring Rolls Cafe is more sweet than savory, but sells enormous sandwiches (big enough for two) such as turkey or Black Forest ham on foccacia, and bagels with smoked salmon or pastrami. Near the Muppet*Vision 3-D attraction, “Toy Story” Pizza Planet Arcade is the spot for crisp pies and salads, with arcade-style games to occupy kids.
On Sunset Boulevard, Sunset Ranch Market is inspired by the Los Angeles farmers’ market, with outdoor seating and walk-up windows for burgers and soups at Rosie’s All-American Cafe; pizzas, salads and sandwiches at Catalina Eddie’s; fresh fruit and veggies at Anaheim Produce; and giant smoked turkey legs at Toluca Legs Turkey Co.
For reservations at any of the table-service restaurants, call 407/WDW-DINE. For same-day seating, go to the kiosk at the corner of Hollywood and Sunset before 1 p.m., or to the restaurant.
Yesterday morning we and many other Disney news sites announced that volunteers could get tickets to watch the Disney Christmas parade taping in the Magic Kingdom on December 3 – 5. We were especially pleased to pass that information on to the readers of Chip and Co and Everything Walt Disney World who signed up to be on our parade mailing list. Many of you signed up, but unfortunately there seems to be some sort of confusion about who will receive a free ticket. Here’s the email people are getting from Disney when they inquire further:
“We appreciate your interest in the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade telecast. You may have read reports in the local media that tickets were available to the general public. Unfortunately, using sources other than Disney Parks, the media misreported this information and that is not the case for the telecast taping. If you are not currently a Disney cast member or an active Disney Sports volunteer, you are not eligible for a pre-registered ticket; however all guests are invited to join us at the Magic Kingdom Park for the filming using regular park admission. Filming for the Christmas Parade is scheduled to take place along Main Street, U.S.A and at Cinderella Castle Stage on December 3 and 4. “
It appears that Disney is only giving out a limited number of tickets to cast members and previous volunteers, although you can watch the parade if you have a ticket for that day; I’ve heard that even non-audience members can get a good view. On a personal level, I’m disappointed. I received many emails from large families or families with children with disabilities who are local who would not otherwise be able to visit the park this year; this was their yearly treat. I wish I could give every one of them a ticket.
In the last several years these tickets were available to the general public. We knew something was changing when Disney didn’t announce when people could sign up until nearly three weeks later than they usually do. Clearly, there’s been a miscommunication. We’re not pointing fingers, however a more clear warning from Active Disney Sports would have resulted in fewer hurt feelings.
We hope to get more information as it comes out. We’ll keep you posted.
Chris writes here and for Everything Walt Disney World and is a member of the Mouse Chat podcast team.
Walt Disney Animation Studios returns to the Hundred Acre Wood with “Winnie the Pooh,” the first big-screen Pooh adventure from Disney animation in more than 35 years. With the charm, wit and whimsy of the original featurettes, this all-new movie reunites audiences with the philosophical “bear of very little brain” and friends Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Kanga, Roo—and last, but certainly not least, Eeyore, who has lost his tail.
“Winnie the Pooh” hits theaters July 15, 2011.
Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two in the intimate setting of a private boat, or a huge dinner buffet hosted by Cinderella and her friends, the restaurants at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa at Walt Disney World Resort provide an atmosphere and menu to satisfy any appetite.
The resort is home to six dining facilities, each with a distinct identity and décor, all using the freshest and finest food available. The restaurants get fresh seafood, meats and vegetables, including vine-ripened, hand-picked tomatoes, from local markets daily. Specialty foods, such as caviar, are selected from the best available in the international arena. The culinary staff also specializes in catering to the dietary needs of guests.
Victoria & Albert’s
The crown jewel of the Grand Floridian’s dining destinations is Victoria & Albert’s, Central Florida’s only five-diamond restaurant, awarded by AAA. Featuring American regional cuisine with classical influences, soft harp music fills the air as guests ages 10 and older dine on fine china and imported crystal and silver. Servers provide personalized service to each of the restaurant’s 18 tables during the gourmet dining experience.
Menu offerings are prix fixe and feature the freshest regional products, complemented by world-class wines. Diners can choose from a menu that’s customized daily by Chef Scott Hunnel, offering seven courses, including four signature entrees and exquisite desserts. A wine-pairing menu also is available.
In addition to superb personal attention, guests also receive take-home reminders of their special evening: a personalized menu and a long-stemmed red rose for women.
For the ultimate dining experience, guests can reserve a spot at the Chef’s Table. Up to eight guests a night are given VIP treatment in Victoria & Albert’s kitchen. After Hunnel consults with everyone at the table, guests can watch him and his culinary team create customized dishes. Wine enthusiasts also will appreciate the selection of wines that are specially paired with each course. In addition to the great food and atmosphere, this dining extravaganza throws in a few surprises to keep guests amused.
Victoria & Albert’s boasts an extensive wine cellar — one that has been recognized by Wine Spectator magazine with an “Award of Excellence.” The restaurant also has earned several other honors, including a Mobil Travel Guide Four Star Rating and a place on Epicurean Rendezvous’ list of top 25 most romantic restaurants.
Grand Floridian Cafe
Classic dishes and traditional favorites are the staples at Grand Floridian Cafe. Guests can stop in at this all-day-dining restaurant, which is open from 7-11 a.m. for breakfast, 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m. for lunch and 5-9 p.m. for dinner. Rich soups, flavorful burgers and the signature Grand Sandwich are featured menu items.
Outside the windows of the 230-seat restaurant, guests can view a verandah overlooking the courtyard and pool. The restaurant also is surrounded by beautiful gardens which are visible from inside.
1900 Park Fare
This buffet-style restaurant is the best place to see Disney characters at the Grand Floridian. From 8-11 a.m., Mary Poppins and her friends visit with guests, pose for pictures and sign autographs at a breakfast buffet. Cinderella’s Happily Ever After Dinner buffet is from 4:30-8:20 p.m.
Park Fare’s buffets offer a variety of food choices and are even customized to accommodate special tastes. In addition to the regular dinner buffet, which includes prime rib, hot and cold seafood, salads, vegetables and bread, the restaurant also offers a children’s buffet with hot dogs, pizza, chicken nuggets and Mickey Mouse-shaped macaroni and cheese, plus a dessert and salad bar.
The restaurant’s centerpiece is Big Bertha, a century-old band organ built in Paris and a focal point of a Grand Rapids, Mich., amusement park for many years. Installed 15 feet above the floor in a proscenium, the bellow instrument simultaneously plays pipes, drums, bells, cymbals, castanets and a xylophone. The restaurant’s amusement park atmosphere is reinforced by old-fashioned carousel animals.
Cítricos
Cítricos offers a market-fresh menu that reflects the flavors of France. The cuisine’s sun-drenched flavors and stylish simplicity evoke a sense of nature’s basics — the sun, earth and sea. The restaurant features an exhibition kitchen, rotisserie cooking and a sumptuous dessert and pastry display with chefs placing finishing flourishes on signature creations. Cítricos is located on the second floor of the main building.
Narcoossee’s
Narcoossee’s menu focuses on seafood, with the fresh Maine lobster a hands-down favorite. A dazzling view of Seven Seas Lagoon offers guests a feast for the eyes. Narcoossee’s has 150 seats.
Gasparilla Grill and Games
Casual, family dining is what this 24-hour, counter-service restaurant is all about. Parents can enjoy such favorites as grilled chicken, sandwiches and pizzas while kids try out the latest games in the video arcade. Continental breakfast is also available.
Romance Dinners
Guests who prefer to dine in a more intimate setting need only to pick up the closest telephone. The Grand Floridian can arrange a private dinner for two, served against the elegant backdrop of the Grand Floridian beach, or with a personal butler aboard the Grand 1, the most luxurious watercraft at Walt Disney World Resort. Certain menu items can be specially prepared for the evening. Twenty-four hours notice is requested.
For all restaurant reservations: 407/WDW-DINE (939-3463).
Lounges
High tea is served every afternoon from 2-6 p.m. in the Garden View Lounge. Full tea service is provided, including imported teas, fruit tartlets, tea sandwiches, scones and freshly baked pastries. Guests are entertained by the sounds of a grand piano and orchestra.
Mizner’s, a second lounge located off the resort’s main lobby on the second floor, is named after Addison Mizner, the self-taught, eccentric turn-of-the-century Palm Beach architect. Specialties include cognacs, ports and appetizers.
Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment debuts its first Blu-ray™ 3D release with Academy Award®- winning director Robert Zemeckis’ (Best Director, Forrest Gump in 1994) unique interpretation of Charles Dickens’ beloved tale, A Christmas Carol, starring Jim Carrey (Yes Man, Horton Hears a Who, Bruce Almighty) as multiple characters including the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Yet to Come.
Rounding out the stellar cast are Gary Oldman (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix), Collin Firth (Love Actually, The Accidental Husband, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason), Bob Hoskins (Who Framed Roger Rabbit) and Robin Wright (State of Play and Forrest Gump).
Disney’s A Christmas Carol is available in Disney Blu-ray 3D on an exclusive 4-Disc Blu-ray™ Combo Pack (Blu-ray 3D Disc™, Blu-ray Disc™, DVD and Digital Copy).
Also available on 1-Disc Blu-ray and 1-Disc DVD
Bonus Features: BLU-RAY 3D Disc includes an exclusive 3D bonus feature, plus all the Blu-ray and DVD features:
BLU-RAY features include all of the DVD features plus:
DVD features include:
Disney’s A Christmas Carol- Film Clip Happy Dance
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Disney’s A Christmas Carol- Bonus Clip On Set with Sammi
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Merry Christmas. Now is your chance to Save $10 Off A Christmas Carol Blu-ray Combo Pack.
Hurry this offer expires 11/28/10.
Click here or the picture above to Print your Coupon!
A fun, modern-day adventure follows Dave (JAY BARUCHEL), just an average college student, or so it appears, until the sorcerer Balthazar Blake (NICOLAS CAGE) recruits him as his reluctant protégé and gives him a crash course in the art and science of magic. As he prepares for a battle against the forces of darkness in modern-day Manhattan, Dave finds it is going to take all of the courage he can muster to survive his training, save the city and get the girl as he becomes THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE.
Bonus Features: Go behind the scenes and on location to learn all about the making of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
Blu-Ray:
o Magic In The City
o The Science Of Sorcery
o Making Magic Real
o The Fashionable Drake Stone
o The Grimhold: An Evil Work Of Art
o The Encantus
o Wolves & Puppies
o The World’s Coolest Car
o 5 Deleted Scenes
o Outtakes
o And more!
DVD / iTunes:
o The Making Of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (DVD only)
o Deleted Scene: Balthazar Recruits Dave
You no longer have to rush over to Jedi Training Academy in Hollywood Studios at rope drop and wait in line until it’s time for your show. Instead, little Padawans can sign up and then go enjoy the park. Kids will be given a return time for later in the day. Space is still first-come, first served, but this means a lot less waiting and a lot more enjoying the park.
The change first took place during Jersey Week, one of the busier weeks this time of year, so it may just be temporary. We know that Disney has been doing this when it gets more crowded, but for now, proceed with the assumption that this is how it will be from now on with the possibility of reverting back to waiting in line.
Chris writes here and at Everything Walt Disney World. She’s also a member of the Mouse Chat podcast.
Check out our BRAND NEW intro video and song that will be featured in the next 2 Lonely Deeks Episode.
Special thanks to Chip who did the video and to Steve Williard and Andrew Taylor for their AWESOME song!
Check them out at: www.reverbnation.com/stevewilliard
For more Disney News & Views check out
We all have our favorite attractions, parks, resorts, restaurants, etc. at Walt Disney World but it’s all of these things put together that makes just being there one of the most magical things on earth for a Walt Disney World lover. It starts when we get to our home airport, get on the plane, sit back (as best you can in coach), put your iPod earphones on and prepare to listen to the hours and hours of Disney music you have there.
Once you get to Orlando International Airport, you get on the mini monorail and head for the gates so you can get to Disney’s Magical Express (DME) for your ride to nirvana (O.K. so I exaggerate for effect). Those of you who have used DME know how much easier this free service has made your arrival at Walt Disney World by eliminating the need to schlep your luggage and find your own transportation (extra $$$) to our place.
Once we get to our resort of choice and get checked in it finally hits us – we are here once again, and the smiles and happy thoughts really start to surface. We can hardly wait to get started but after a long day of flying (from Arizona) we always take time to wander around the resort and appreciate the fact that Disney puts the same level of detail and magic into their resorts as they do everything else. That’s just one more reason we love – just being there!!
The parks, especially Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios for us, speak for themselves as do our favorite restaurants and the anticipation of trying a few that we have not yet experienced. Oh yes – we can’t forget Downtown Disney and the shopping (actually one of my lovely wife’s Best Things She Loves About Disney) and entertainment opportunities there.
Put them all together they spell Mother, sorry, D-I-S-N-E-Y and that’s why one of the Best Things I Love About Disney is just being there!! As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!
Ken
Photo By Disney
Should Disneyland and California Adventure be merged into one giant park?
Attendance for California Adventure has been all over the place, to say the least, while Disneyland’s attendance has stayed strong (for the most part) despite the downhill state of the economy. World of Color and events like Glow Fest and ElecTRONica have brought up attendance slightly, but not much compared to Disneyland’s daily numbers.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Bob Iger talked about how Disney officials have considered merging the parks. The costs, though, might outweigh the benefits if this were to be done. Iger mentions how the parks would be merged and one higher priced ticket would buy you everything, but the costs to build transportation to get around the park would be a blow to Disney’s wallet. He explains that the way to bring up California Adventure’s attendance is the current $1 billion construction projects going on in the park (Cars Land, new entrance, etc.)
According to Iger, California Adventure’s attendance numbers rose 20% since the debut of World of Color.
ElecTRONica is also drawing in crowds on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
So what do you think? Should the parks be merged together to create one giant park, and we just pay a higher ticket price? Or should California Adventure remain separated from the main park?
