It’s Orlando’s most immersive and memorable family dining experience — Dine With Shamu at SeaWorld Orlando. Guests get closer than ever to SeaWorld’s majestic whales while enjoying a delicious menu of seasonal and sustainable items at a reserved poolside table.
They’ll get an incredible glimpse into the interactions that occur between SeaWorld’s trainers and whales. They’ll find out what makes killer whales such unique animals. And, everyone will learn about the many things we all can do to help save valuable ocean resources and habitats by enjoying sustainable and natural foods.
It’s a behind-the-scenes experience that will connect guests to the world we share like never before and it’s only at SeaWorld Orlando.
SeaWorld’s commitment to the world we share extends into the food we serve. All items served at Dine With Shamu are seasonable, fresh and sustainable. The summer menu includes:
All-natural, grain-fed Black Angus strip loin
100% natural cinnamon-cured roasted pork loin
Rosemary-glazed free range grilled chicken
Filet of cod (certified sustainable)
Seasonal sides including lemon butter herb-roasted red potatoes, summer vegetable lo mein, cucumber salad, mixed green salad, summer fruit salad, and coconut Caribbean rice
Baked goods made fresh at SeaWorld
Signature desserts
Special kids’ buffet
Dine With Shamu is $49 for adults and $24 for children (ages 3 through 9) and is not included with park admission. Prices do not include tax.
Advance reservations can be made at SeaWorldOrlando.com (startingJuly 14) or day-of inside the park at the reservations center.
Living and working near the parks in Central Florida affords those of us locals an opportunity to experience the theme parks in a little bit different way than those of you who come here for vacation. We have the luxury and privilege, if you will, to visit the parks for just a few hours at a time since we have access within about 15 minutes from either work or home. Last night was one such evening for me. I work just a short distance from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and was able to make a quick jaunt over to the park from 7pm until park closing at 9. So how do you spend just a couple hours? What do you do, what do you do?
A practically perfect evening for me consists of a nice balance of seeing some of my favorite animals, riding at least one or two rides, grabbing a bite to eat or drink, and seeing what the special events are that the park has to offer. Right now there is an event running until August 12th called Summer Nights. This was my first time seeing this nighttime spectacular that features a special concert/show called Kinetix. After the show, guests are treated to an awesome fireworks show.
So, this evening started off by making a bee line for my favorite ride, Cheetah Hunt. If you have not yet experienced this roller coaster, what are you waiting for?!?!?!? It is amazing!!! You have three super fast launches at close to 60mph. I love this ride, especially in the evening and it is one of the longer coasters around at almost a mile long lasting about four minutes. This typically has a 45 minute to an hour long wait, so coming in at 7pm, I knew I had to head here first.
After Cheetah Hunt I decided to catch a show. The one I wanted to see I guess is out of rotation for the summer, so I opted to go see Pirates 4D for the first time. On the way there I was able to snap a few pics of some animals including a pretty cool one of the lion up pretty close. The movie was cute, definitely geared toward a younger audience and I guess I chose my seat poorly because the last row I was in didn’t have any of the 4D effects.
About this time I was starting to get hungry and thought it might be a good idea to get a spot for Kinetix in Gwazi Park, which is situated behind Gwazi, the wooden rollercoaster. I wasn’t starving so I opted just for a churro and a frozen coke for dinner. I know this wasn’t the best meal, but it hit the spot and was only about $5 with my passholder discount. Arriving around 8:30, I was able to find a seat on the end of one of the rows of metal benches with backs that are setup in the park. If you are coming with more than one person, I would definitely recommend getting there closer to 8pm if you all want to sit together. Keep in mind I was there on a Monday night and I’m sure it is even more popular on the weekends.
Kinetix is an incredible show featuring current pop music (LMFAO, Pitbull, Nicki Minaj, Adele, Maroon 5, etc.) performed live on stage by singers, a band, dancers, acrobats and includes some crazy stunts from balancing to aerials to trick bikes. I love the energy that this show brings from all of the performers, and it is very appropriately named with all the kinetic energy you feel from the stage. I am going to include videos below since I don’t think pictures will begin to do it justice. Please go see this and the Summer Nights fireworks show that follows. I think this is probably the closest I’ve ever been to fireworks of this magnitude.
All in all it was a great way to spend a few hours in the park. I got my thrills on Cheetah Hunt. I was able to sit and relax in air conditioned comfort, a huge plus in July in Florida, at the Pirate 4D film and was entertained. Dinner could have been much more substantial, but I really wasn’t hungry for more than the churro and frozen coke, which I got to enjoy while seated on a bench with a nice breeze while listening to pop music before the Kinetix show. That was another thing I noticed that I think is new for the summer, or maybe just in the evening, but from the time I arrived at 7pm until I left a little before 10pm the music being played throughout the park was mostly familiar pop music. I thought this really added to the fun summer vibe I felt from the Summer Nights celebration.
How do you like to spend a quick few hours at Busch Gardens? Have you been to Summer Nights? What was your favorite part?
Cheetah!
Meerkats
Zebras in the distance
Lions
Lionesses
Lions up close
Hyenas
Tommies
Elephant
My favorite ride!!!
Finishing up my ride on Cheetah Hunt
Cheetah Hunt – awesome coaster!
Kinetix
Summer Nights & Kinetix sign
Gwazi behind Summer Nights
Love the refillable souvenirs
Churro … it’s what’s for dinner
Sheikra in the distance
Image Copyright Busch Gardens
Check out our YouTube page here to see other great videos from around Central Florida parks and activities.
On July 7th, I got to do something I had only dreamed about…I got to meet a real Olympian and I have to say it was one of the coolest experiences I have ever had!
Can you tell I was totally geeking out to meet her???
I was lucky enough to be invited to Brittany Viola’s Olympic Send Off Party hosted by Planet Hollywood Orlando, located in Downtown Disney’s West Side. Brittany leaves this Thursday to be a part of the USA Diving National Team, and a member of USA Diving’s Olympic Performance Squad, pursuing a gold medal at the 2012 Olympic games to be held in London.
Brittany Viola waving from the balcony of Planet Hollywood Orlando.
Surrounded by young divers from YCF Diving and above a restaurant full of American flags waving, Brittany was welcomed into Planet Hollywood to celebrate her amazing accomplishment among her family, friends, and children that aspire to one day be in her position!
Brittany had a lot of friends and family in attendance as she celebrated her accomplishments before leaving for London.
In the few minutes that I was able to spend with Brittany, I told her about we all watched the diving competition, I am fascinated by diving since I have never been able to do anything other than a cannon ball off of a pool board, and how we would all be cheering her on as she goes for the gold. She said that the first thing she wanted to do was go to the Olympic Village and take it all in since she had worked so hard to get there (London).
It was really an honor to spend time talking with Brittany!
Brittany Ann Viola (born in Minnesota in 1987) grew up in Orlando, FL and attended Lake Highland Preparatory School.
“It’s been a hard journey, but I had a lot of love and support around me to help me persevere and get where I am right now.” Said Viola
Brittany is the daughter of Frank and Kathy Viola. Frank was the 1987 World Series MVP for the Minnesota Twins, the 1988 American League Cy Young Award winner and a three-time All-Star.
In addition, she is working for Athletes in Action as Part-Time Field Staff at the University of Miami. Her goals are to teach, encourage, and support the student-athletes through their collegiate experiences.
She graduated in May of 2011, from the University of Miami, double majoring in Electronic Media and Sport Administration.
Brittany began diving in 2000, but missed the 2010 season while recovering from two foot surgeries.
For more information about Brittany’s Career, visit her website at www.brittanyviola.com.
Thank you so much to Planet Hollywood Orlando for hosting this great event, and I am really looking forward to bringing you more information about this restaurant in the future!!!
ORLANDO, Fla. (July 9, 2012) – Universal Parks & Resorts and Loews Hotels & Resorts will build a new hotel development at Universal Orlando that will add high-quality, high-value options for families wanting an affordable on-site experience.
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort will offer two distinct experiences within the development’s multiple buildings: 900 family suites, capable of sleeping six, that include kitchen areas and 900 standard guest rooms – offering both moderate- and value-priced accommodations. It will be operated by Loews Hotels & Resorts and is scheduled to open in 2014.
Cabana Bay Beach Resort Suite
The hotel will be themed differently than anything else currently available at Universal Orlando. It will evoke the driving vacations so many Americans grew up enjoying with their families – spending time at sweeping motor courts just off the highway, where families relaxed and played after a long day’s drive. The new hotel’s hip, vintage look will be accented with bold design, dramatic, clean lines, bright, period colors and touches of neon. Inside areas including the lobby, dining areas and large, comfortable rooms will follow suit. The hotel will have two themed pool areas.
“Our new hotel will give guests an affordable, incredibly themed on-site hotel experience unlike anything else at our resort,” said Tom Williams, chairman and chief executive officer, Universal Parks & Resorts. “Our new family suites and family-value pricing will give our guests on-site options they’ve never had before.”
Cabana Bay Beach Resort Lobby
The hotel will be built on a 37-acre site within Universal Orlando Resort and adjacent to Universal’s Islands of Adventure – just offHollywood Way and Turkey Lake Road. Site work will begin soon. Pricing information, opening timeframes and room on-sale dates will be released over time.
The new hotel will allow families to choose between value pricing or the higher level of benefits and service that come with staying at other on-site Universal Orlando hotels – Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort. It will provide early park admission, proximity to Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios and resort-wide charging privileges – but will not offer complimentary Universal Express Unlimited Access.
Cabana Bay Beach Resort Pool
“The Cabana Bay Beach Resort furthers our goal of operating special and distinct properties in important markets,” said Paul Whetsell, Loews Hotels & Resorts president and CEO. “This is another important step in our plan to expand the Loews system in major markets across the United States.”
Typhoon Lagoon Packs in New Seasonal Offerings, Both Parks Offer Extra Magic Hours Through Late August
Summer 2012 brings a splash of fun for the whole family at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach water parks, with new entertainment and dining options at Typhoon Lagoon and Extra Magic Hours at both parks.
New Entertainment
The relaxing atmosphere at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is enhanced with new sounds of summer. For the first time, Calypso band “Tropicals” brings Caribbean steel drums to the park from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every Friday through Sunday until July 15. The band can be found near the Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster pool area. Returning this year every day through September 8, characters Lilo and Stitch can be found just outside of the High N’ Dry sundries shop at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon; at Disney’s Blizzard Beach, guests can chill out with Goofy, who can be found roaming the water park.
New Dining Option
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon guests looking for summer fare beyond the normal park offerings may visit Tropicalamity. The new temporary food and beverage tent, located near Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster pool area, features a variety of eats, including chicken jerk pita wrap, citrus chicken salad, hot meatball sub and cold Italian sub.
Summer Extra Magic Hours
Guests staying at Walt Disney World resort hotels can take advantage of Extra Magic Hours on select days and times at both Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach through late August.
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon
Currently, Wednesday mornings before the park opens, from 8-9 a.m. through August 22.
Starting July 7, guests can take advantage of additional extra magic hours Saturday mornings before the park opens, from 8-9 a.m. through August 18.
Disney’s Blizzard Beach
Currently, Thursday mornings before the park opens, from 8-9 a.m. through August 23.
Starting July 3, guests can take advantage of additional extra magic hours Tuesday mornings before the park opens, from 8-9 a.m. through August 14.
About Disney’s Water Parks
Walt Disney World guests visiting Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park escape to a tropical paradise left behind by a storm. Surfboards, fishing gear, boats, including the iconic shrimp boat, Ms. Tilly, once strewn about by a typhoon, add to the ambiance.
Guests visiting Disney’s Blizzard Beach will discover a melting wonderland where a freak snowstorm hit Florida. Icicles, ski gear and steep slopes grace the ski resort landscape, home to some of the most thrilling water rides in the United States.
Since moving to Celebration I have found that we are out and about all of the time, and as a result are always using tons of sunscreen!
I was able to attend a 101 Days of Summer Party with other local families, hosted by Melanie & Suzannah, where we learned about Banana Boat’s Natural Reflect Sunscreen Lotion. Using 100% naturally sourced mineral sunscreen, active with Zinc Oxide, deflects UVA and UVB rays — and it is ideal for sensitive and delicate skin, which is perfect for our family since Zoe and I have extremely sensitive skin!!!
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100% Naturally Sourced Mineral Sunscreen Actives, Zinc Oxide
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Oxybenzone and Paraben-Free
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Gentle on Sensitive and Delicate Skin
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Proven Effective Against Sunburn; Helps Prevent Long-Term Skin Damage
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Broad Spectrum UVA and UVB Protection
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Water Resistant (80 Minutes)
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Recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation
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Dermatologist Tested
Another really cool thing that Banana Boat is doing as part of their 101 Days of Summer Campaign, is that if you go to their Facebook Page and take a pledge to encourage your kids to spend time outside everyday this summer they will donate a bottle of Natural Reflect Sunscreen to the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp!
Founded in 1988 by Paul Newman, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp is a community dedicated to providing “a different kind of healing” to children and their families coping with cancer, sickle cell anemia and other serious illnesses. Through summer sessions and family weekend programs at the Camp in Ashford, Connecticut, and year-round outreach to hospitals and clinics throughout the Northeast, the Camp serves more than 20,000 children and family members annually. All services are free of charge.
Thanks again to Melanie and Suzannah for hosting this Banana Boat 101 Days of Summer Party where we got to learn about the Natural Reflect products, play fun games, make cool crafts, and have a great afternoon with friends! Also, please don’t forget to visit their Facebook Page and take the pledge and help the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp!!!!
Disclosure: I was compensated for this post and attended a local event where I received product samples, but my opinions are my own.
A dolphin calf was born Saturday morning 6/30/12 at 8:47 a.m. at SeaWorld Orlando. The young calf’s sex is unknown at this time, but it has been seen nursing and bonding with its mom, Starkey, both a good indication that the calf is doing well. This is Starkey’s sixth birth. Park guests can see the pair at SeaWorld’s Dolphin Nursery where pregnant dolphins, new mothers, their calves and experienced moms live together.
“THE SHOW GOES ON” THIS SATURDAY NIGHT WITH A LIVE PERFORMANCE BY RAP SUPERSTAR LUPE FIASCO AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO’S SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Summer Concert Series Runs Every Saturday Night Through July 14
This Saturday night, Universal Orlando’s Summer Concert Series continues with rap and hip hop artist Lupe Fiasco.
Lupe Fiasco’s musical career took off in 2006 with his Grammy award-nominated debut album, “Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor,” featuring hit singles like “I Gotcha” and “Daydreamin” featuring Jill Scott. He continued to release two additional hit albums, “Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool,” and “Lasers,” both of which included Top 10 smash hit songs – “Superstar” and “The Show Goes On.” The rap star has collaborated with other renowned hip hop artists, such as Kanye West, Wiz Khalifa and Trey Songz and is expected to release his fourth album, “Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album,” this fall.
Lupe Fiasco
Universal Orlando’s Summer Concert Series is included in admission to Universal Studios Florida and gives guests the opportunity to add a major concert to a day of theme park thrills. The full list of upcoming acts is below.
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 2012 LINEUP
Date
Headliner
July 7
Lupe Fiasco
July 14
Miranda Cosgrove
Guests can also experience Universal Orlando’s newest attraction, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and brand-new entertainment experiences – Universal’s Superstar Parade and Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is a hilarious and heartwarming new ride that combines a new storyline, new animation, the latest 3-D technology – and the heart, outrageous humor and memorable characters of the hit animated film. Before the concert, Universal’s Superstar Parade will roll through the streets and transform into a theme-park-wide performance stage as today’s most beloved stories and characters bring new adventure and excitement to guests. After the concert, Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – a nighttime show that takes guests on a journey filled with powerful movie moments – will unfold across the park’s central lagoon.
The 2012 Celebrity Mascot Games will be held July 19 at Stetson University in Deland, Florida at 12:30pm , and July 20 at 12:30 & 21 at 2:00pm at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida .The 20th Annual Celebrity Mascot Games is the only event of its kind, and will feature 30 mascots from sports teams across the country competing in a variety of games during three exciting shows.
More than 15,000 fans will enjoy thrilling and pulse-pounding competition, as more than 25 mascots from Major League Baseball, NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA and the Arena Football League battle through wild and wacky games, to see who the true champion of the mascot world is.
Proceeds from the Celebrity Mascot Games benefit New Hope for Kids, an Orlando based not-for-profit organization. New Hope For Kids grants wishes to children under the age of 18 who are suffering from life-threatening illness and provides grief support for children who have lost a family member. Since its inception, New Hope has granted more than 3,000 wishes, focusing on the children of Central Florida. In addition, since the first Mascot Games in 1992, this event raised nearly $300,000 for New Hope for Kids.
There are tons of great pictures, charity auctions, and more information about the Games can be found on the Mascot Games website!
Photo from the Amway Center Website for the Mascot Games
Back by popular demand! Purchase a reserved seat and guarantee yourself an up close and personal experience at the Celebrity Mascot Games. Reserved seats are $16.00. Reserved seats are only available for the July 21st show at Amway Center.
General Admission tickets for the Celebrity Mascot Games are $10.00.
Tickets are now on-sale, and they can be purchased in advance at the Amway Center Box Office (407-849-2020). In addition, tickets may be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased the day of the games at Stetson University and Amway Center.
For handicapped seating questions, please contact the Amway Center Box Office at (407) 440-7000.
Children 2 and under, who plan to sit in a parent’s lap, will receive free admission.
Military Discounts are available for only $8. These tickets are only available for purchase, in person at the Amway Center Box Office.
Last night several of us attended the fireworks show for the Fourth of July at Epcot, called Heartbeat of Freedom. This special tag for Independence Day at Epcot, directly followed Illuminations and was set to patriotic music. It was one of the most amazing fireworks displays I’ve ever seen. The video I took does not begin to do this show justice, but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless. I apologize for the shaky quality as I didn’t have a tripod. Also is video Shalon took from the night before of the Magic Kingdom’s Fourth of July fireworks called Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky. We hope that you too can someday experience these gorgeous nighttime spectaculars for July 4th!
Yesterday was the first time I had ever spent July 4th in any of the Disney parks, and it was only for a few hours, but it was absolutely amazing! Some of you may or may not know that I am a bit of a sap and that I love the Voices of Liberty at Epcot. I knew when I heard that they were going to be performing on Independence Day that I had to go see them! It was one of the most incredibly beautiful and moving shows I’ve ever seen them perform. They sang a variety of patriotic songs including My Country Tis of Thee, This Land Is Your Land, Golden Dream, God Bless the U.S.A., an armed forces medley of The Caissons Go Rolling Along, Anchors Away, Semper Paratus, The Air Force Song, and The Marines’ Hymn, Battle Hymn of the Republic, Taps and the Star Spangled Banner. At first I just teared up a bit, but then moved into full on tears streaming down my face. My family has a long military history and it is days like this that remind me of the sacrifices all who have served have made to keep our country safe and free. I only hope that you get to experience this performance by the Voices of Liberty in person someday, but in the meantime, here are some pictures and video of yesterday’s show.
Each fall, Night of Joy brings spirited and soulful entertainment to Magic Kingdom theme park. During this contemporary Christian music festival, Guests can delight in live performances by music superstars across a variety of genres—including rock, pop and gospel.
Mark your calendars for a weekend of outstanding entertainment on September 7, 2012 and September 8, 2012. Enjoy performances from a variety of Christian artists, including:
Performing Friday, September 7, 2012:
Casting Crowns
Chris Tomlin
NEEDTOBREATHE
Red
Francesca Battistelli
Brandon Heath
Royal Tailor
Disciple
Performing Saturday, September 8, 2012:
MercyMe
Third Day
Kutless
Thousand Foot Krutch
Lecrae
Chris August
From soulful, inspiring singers to hard-hitting, high-energy rockers, Night of Joy offers a variety of entertainment that’s sure to lift your spirits.
Join the Community
Get the latest concert news, browse artist photos and share your excitement for the ultimate Christian music festival at the official Night of Joy Facebook page!
We haven’t really focused much on food specifically and thought it was about time we explored this huge part of most guest’s Walt Disney World vacations. Dining in the parks and at the resorts ranges from Uncrustables to hot dogs, sandwiches and other typical park fare like burgers and fries to some of the finest dining in the world. Today I wanted to share with you some of my favorite signature restaurants at WDW. If you have a Tables in Wonderland membership you are able to save 20% (with an automatic 18% gratuity added back in) at these restaurants. The other great feature of the TiW card is that it allows you complimentary valet parking at the Disney resorts with validation showing you used your Tables card on your dinner receipt.
5. Todd English’s Bluezoo (Walt Disney World Dolphin) The restaurant sits on the lower level of the Dolphin at the bottom of the escalator. The decor reminds me of an upscale club or bar, but more subdued with subtle lighting and lots of blue accents. I’ve only been here once back in November of 2009, but the food was fabulous. My mom and my brother treated me to dinner for my 30th birthday, and it was amazing. The seafood seemed so fresh and the service was great. We started the night off with the zooberry (a twist on the blueberry martini). They were so fresh the perfect way to begin our meal. We shared the beet salad and the classico flatbread for appetizers. For an entree I had the teppan seared jumbo sea scallops, which were magnificent and perfectly cooked. The dessert was a lemon meringue pavlova and was complimentary for my birthday, which made it taste even better.
4. Flying Fish (Disney’s Boardwalk Inn) Situated on the Boardwalk, Flying Fish is decorated with whimsical fish flying through the air with parachutes. The resort’s atmosphere reflecting early 20th century seaside fun with rollercoasters and ferris wheels is carried through the restaurant as well. The first time I experienced the restaurant it was August of 2009, and more recently I returned in February of this year. So, the two times I’ve been here I ordered the same exact things for appetizer and entree and was so full that I didn’t get dessert. The cheese platter changes in the featured cheeses, but was great both times. I guess I really like the scallops in the Epcot Resort area because I have ordered the oak-grilled Maine diver scallops each time. Scallops aren’t even my favorite seafood, but I absolutely love them from here.
3. Citrico’s (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa) Featuring a Mediterranean theme, Citrico’s is located on the second floor of the Grand Floridian between Mizner’s and Victoria & Albert’s. The decor and the menu reflect the influences of Italy and Greece and are both aesthetically and gastronomically pleasing. Of the restaurants on my top five list, this is the one I have been to the most, having been more than five times, and most recently in the beginning of March. Each time I have been the food has been absolutely fabulous. One of my favorite seasonal appetizers, which they didn’t have this last time, was the gateau of crab. This past time we had a nice cheese and cracker amuse bouche to start our palates on our dining adventure. I tried something new for my entree and was not the least bit disappointed. The Madeira-braised short ribs were so tender, they were falling apart. Wild mushroom ragout and trofie pasta accompany the short ribs along with a truffle creme fraiche. For dessert I did repeat one of my favorites in the seasonal berry gratin with a champagne – Grand Marnier sabayon. It was just as incredible as when I had first had it in November of 2010.
2. Jiko – The Cooking Place (Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge) This is the restaurant I have honestly been craving the most above all others on property. I love the atmosphere here with the gorgeous blue ceiling, setting sunset and beautiful (fake) birds flying overhead. It is an eclectic menu and I like to try different things each time I go. The first time I went was in July of 2008, when I first stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I remember having the ostrich filet as an appetizer and the Kenyan coffee barbecue braised short ribs (another favorite of mine apparently). They were both so tender and falling apart in my mouth as I took each bite. On subsequent visits I have had the Taste of Africa bread and dipping sauce service, kalamata olive flatbread, duck and stonefruit salad, oak grilled filet mignon with mac and cheese, and seared barbarie duck breast. I can say that each of the three times I’ve been, the last time being in November of 2010, the service and the quality of the food have been nothing short of fantastic.
1. Victoria & Albert’s (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa) Ah, la creme de la creme. Victoria & Albert’s is a 13 time AAA Five Diamond award winning restaurant. I’ve only been here once, and would love to go back if someone else is paying. This is not to say that the price isn’t worth it (I want to say it was about $475 for two with the wine pairing and gratuity included AFTER my Tables in Wonderland discount), it is. I’d just prefer to have someone else pay, and I’d like to do chef’s table next time. But I digress. This meal is easily within my top five, if not top three meals I’ve ever eaten. The service was beyond impeccable. Situated on the second floor of the Grand Floridian, Victoria & Albert’s is hidden behind large wooden doors with frosted windows. The decor is a refined elegance not to be found elsewhere at a Disney restaurant. It is one of only a few Five Diamond restaurants in the state of Florida. I went with my mom for my 29th birthday present in 2008 and it was an incredible dining experience. There were amuse bouche, palate cleansers, about seven courses, coffee, dessert, and the aforementioned wine pairing to go with each course. This is most definitely a culinary experience, not simply a meal. You need every bit of the three plus hours they warn you about when you book. One of my favorite aspects of the pre-arrival communications with the restaurant is the conversation about your allergies, likes and dislikes. This is so the restaurant can customize your menu to you so you are not being served something for hundreds of dollars that you do not enjoy. I don’t recall the specific menu items, as there were so many, but there wasn’t one I didn’t like. I’ve included a picture of the general menu for the evening. Each guest also receives a personalized copy of their menu to take home, which I am unable to locate at the moment.
Have you been to any of these restaurants? If so, what were your thoughts? Do you have any favorites?
