WDW Restaurant and Dining News

DECEMBER 2006

The Grand Floridian Resort's 1900 Park Fare will close for rehab 7/9/07 - 10/1/07.

During 1900 Park Fare's closure, the Grand Floridian Cafe will offer a pre-plated character breakfast and dinner, "Supercalifragilistic Breakfast" and "Cinderella's Gala Feast." Also during that time, Citricos, upstairs at the Grand Floridian, will be open for breakfast and lunch with a menu similar to the cafe's. Citricos will also resume dinner seven days a week. (It is currently closed Monday and Tuesday.)

Dine with an Imagineer!

Enjoy dinner at Artist Point in the Wilderness Lodge every other Thursday evening (5:30pm) with a Disney Imagineer as the special guest. You'll get a fascinating glimpse of the creative process as these talented men and women share what it's like to work in the most magical place in the world.

A Credit card is required to book the event and there is a 48 hour cancellation policy. You may be seated with other persons. Book 60 days in advance. Persons 10+ $89.00 plus 6.5% tax and 18% gratuity. Wine Pairing dinner $110.00, Guests 3-9 $40. Recommended for those 14 and older. Advise the booking agent of any special dietary needs when making a reservation.

Proposed Menu (may change)

Smoky Portobello Soup
OR
Fresh Field Greens, Roasted Beets, Hazelnut Gremolata, Crater Lake Blue Cheese, and
Blackberry Vinaigrette

Cedar Plank Roasted King Salmon with Asparagus, Haricot Vert, Mizuna, Herb Dumplings,
and Sage Brown Butter
OR
Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Fire-roasted Corn, Spinach, Red Wine Reduction, and Blue
Cheese Fritter
OR
Grilled Buffalo Sirloin Steak with Sweet Potato-Hazelnut Gratin, and Sweet Onion Jam

Artist Point Berry Cobbler Seasonal Berries and House-made Black Raspberry Ice Cream
OR
Coffee Two Ways Mochaccino Bread Pudding and Vanilla Latte Crème Brûlée

Kids' Picks
All meals served with choice of 1% Milk, Bottled Water, or Juice

Choice of (1) Appetizer, (1) Entree and (1) Dessert
Appetizers
Mixed Greens Salad
Bowl of Watermelon

Entrées
Grilled Chicken Breast with Mashed Potatoes and fresh Vegetables
Baked Salmon with Mashed Potatoes and fresh Vegetables
Penne Pasta with Cheese Sauce
Hamburger
(French Fries and Soft Drinks Available Upon Request)

Desserts
White Chocolate Mickey Puzzle and a Cookie
Minnie's Sundae

Smoothie
Sour Apple Freeze or Lava Smoothie
Raspberry Smoothie

NOVEMBER 2006

Cinderella's Royal Table Change

Effective January 1, 2007, if you attend the Dreams Come True Dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table you will no longer receive a lithograph as part of your dinner package. Instead, diners will receive a Princess Wand for girls and a Prince Sword for boys, for children 3 - 9. These are the same items that are part of the packages at Cinderella's Royal Table's breakfast and lunch.

OCTOBER 2006

Fantasmic Dinner Package Price Increase as of April 1, 2007

Brown Derby - Guests 10 and older $43.99 (plus tax and gratuity)
Meal includes Appetizer, entree, dessert and non-specialty non-alcoholic beverage
Children Ages 3-9 $11.99 (plus tax and gratuity)
Order from Children's Menu; choice of soup or salad, entree, dessert and child's beverage.

Mama Melrose - Choose from the regular menu!
Guests 10 and older $32.99 (plus tax and gratuity)
Meal includes Appetizer, entree, dessert and non-specialty non-alcoholic beverage
Children Ages 3-9 $11.99 (plus tax and gratuity)
Order from Children's Menu; choice of soup or salad, entree, dessert and child's beverage.

Victoria and Albert's at the Grand Floridian has a new pricing structure. $115 per person (tax, alcoholic beverages and gratiuity additional). $60 per person for added wine pairing. Victoria and Albert's Chef Table new prices: $165 per person (tax, alcoholic beverages and gratiuity additional). $70 per person for added wine pairing.

SEPTEMBER 2006

In Epcot's Japan, the Tempura Kiku, (which used to be the tempura bar) now only serves cocktails and sushi (with the exception of one tempura item). The Matsunoma Lounge serves all of the same sushi items as in the Tempura Kiku, but also offers a Tempura menu.

Yorkshire County Fish Shop in Epcot is closed for refurbishment. It will reopen on Saturday, September 23.

AUGUST 2006

Palio at the Swan Resort will close effective September 3, 2006. The space will be renovated and a new restaurant will occupy the space. No further details at this time.

Residents of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland are eligible to receive the Disney Dining Plan for FREE if they book a package that includes a five-night or more stay at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel and a five-day or more theme park ticket, now through November 6, 2006, for arrivals between August 12 and September 29, 2007. For each night of the stay, the Dining Plan includes:

-- One table-service meal including starter, main course, dessert (except at breakfast), non-alcoholic drink and gratuity/service charge.
-- One quick counter-service meal, including main course and non-alcoholic drink.
-- One snack, such as a box of popcorn, a piece of fruit, a frozen ice-cream novelty or a medium fountain soft drink.

Disney Dining Plan is available for all persons in the party 3 or older. Guests ages 3 to 9 must order from the children's menu where available. For more information: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdwi/en_GB/special/offerDetail?id=DiningOfferPage

Changes to the Disney Dining Plan in 2007 - Participating Restaurant List updated

More Dining Plan Options

August 15 - September 4 · Special menu items will be available at Disney's All Star Movies Resort and Disney's Pop Century Resort for dinner. Guests who use one Table Service entitlement per person for dinner will have a choice of prime rib, salmon, or turkey. These Guests will also receive a certificate for their choice of a pin and lanyard set, poster, or two (2) snacks.

Grab 'n Go sandwiches and salads will no longer be available in the Merchandise locations at Disney's Port Orleans Resort, Disney's All Star Resorts, and Disney's Caribbean Beach Resorts

Disney Dining Plan Snack or Merchandise Certificate from August 13 - October 7

As a special offer, Guests who choose to dine in Quick Service locations using their Table Service entitlements will receive a certificate at the Quick Service locations for their choice of one of the following items: two (2) snacks, a collectable Disney Trading Pin and lanyard (pin design may vary), or a "Where the Magic Lives" poster featuring Mickey and his friends. All items are subject to availability.

Guests who choose the two-snack option can redeem the certificate at any Quick Service or Outdoor Foods location or participating Merchandise locations (both snacks must be redeemed at the same time, in the same participating location).

Guests who choose either the pin and lanyard set or Disney poster may redeem the certificate at select Merchandise locations (listed on the certificate).

Candlelight Dinner Packages are now being booked (8/16/06)

I called back this morning (8/16) only to be told that the Alfredo's package was completely sold out for Dec 1st and most other dates during our Nov- early Dec trip! All this on the very first day of reservation availability! The cast member said they are extremely limited on package seating at Alfredo's. So, let the readers know not to delay in making (or trying to make) their Candlelight package dinner reservations, or they will be disappointed! Carol Pranis

The Tomorrowland Noodle Station is serving a buffet dinner from 5:00pm - 9:00pm nightly until the end of September. The Tomorrowland Terrace Cafe Dinner Buffet is $28.99 for adults and $13.99 for children 3-9, tip and tax included. Disney Dining Plan Table Service Credit is accepted for dinner.

Teppanyaki Restaurant in Epcot's Japan pavillion will be closed for a major rehab from 3/11/07 through 7/14/07.

Dining hours will be extended from August 13, 2006 through September 4, 2006 as follows:

Boma will open at 4:30pm for dinner
Chef Mickey will offer a lunch buffet from 12:30pm to 3:00pm
Concourse Steakhouse will open at 4:30pm for dinner
Ohana Breakfast will be open until noon
Ohana Dinner will open at 4pm for dinner
Grand Floridian Cafe will open at 4pm for dinner

Liberty Tree Tavern and Crystal Palace will have the same operating hours as Cinderella's Royal Table.

Mickey's Backyard BBQ is also adding shows on August 18, 25 and September 1

The Spirit of Aloha and Hoop dee Doo dinner shows will begin new tiered pricing as of January 1, 2007. Reservations may be made 180 days in advance.

Spirit of Aloha

Category 1 Adults (10 and up) $58.99 including tax and gratuity
Children (3-9) $29.99 including tax and gratuity
Infants (0-2) No charge

Category 2 Adults (10 and up) $54.99 including tax and gratuity
Children (3-9) $26.99 including tax and gratuity
Infants (0-2) No charge

Category 3 Adults (10 and up) $50.99 including tax and gratuity
Children (3-9) $25.99 including tax and gratuity
Infants (0-2) No charge

Category 1 is located in the lower level, in the center and nearest the stage so you will be as close to the performers as possible. You won't miss a moment of the excitement with these wonderful seats. You'll feel as though you are one of the Polynesian dancers.

Category 2 offers tables in the lower level that are located on either the left or right side of the stage OR upper level tables that are located directly behind the Category 1 seating. All of these seats will give you and your family a great view of the entire stage area and you won't miss a thing!

Category 3 offers tables in the lower level that are located to the extreme far right or left of the stage, OR the majority of the upper level tables. You will still have a good view of the stage and be able to enjoy all of the excitement of the authentic Polynesian dancing.

Hoop Dee Doo Dinner Show

Category 1 Adults (10 and up) $58.99 including tax and gratuity
Children (3-9) $29.99 including tax and gratuity
Infants (0-2) No charge

Category 2 Adults (10 and up) $54.99 including tax and gratuity
Children (3-9) $26.99 including tax and gratuity
Infants (0-2) No charge

Category 3 Adults (10 and up) $50.99 including tax and gratuity
Children (3-9) $25.99 including tax and gratuity
Infants (0-2) No charge

Category 1 will allow you and your party to be seated on the first floor level with your table nearest the stage and in the middle of all the action and excitement.

Category 2 offers either a great table on the first floor behind the Category 1 seating below the balcony or in the center of the balcony on the 2nd floor. Either way, you're still facing the stage so you can get a wonderful view of the entire performance.

Category 3 offers tables that are located on the right hand side or left hand side of the balcony on the 2nd floor. You won't miss a moment of the fun and excitement as you enjoy the panoramic view of the entire stage production.

Special Note: Guests in need of wheelchair accessibility may only be seated in Category 1 for the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue. Category 2 and 3 areas of Pioneer Hall are not wheelchair accessible. Guests seated in Category 2 or 3 areas may be required to ascend one flight of stairs.

Disney Dining Plan now available to use for In Room Private Dining:

TWO table service credits may be used for Private in Room Dining :
Juice (breakfast)
Appetizer (lunch and dinner)
Entrée
Desserts (lunch & dinner)
Non-alcoholic beverage
Single serving portions only. Does not include hospitality platters, amenities, or merchandise.

JULY 2006

The Turf Club Bar & Grill at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa opened July 2 with a new, enhanced menu of "creatively prepared American favorites." Hours are lunch from noon - 5 p.m. and dinner from 5 - 9 p.m.

Reservations for ticketed events to be held during the 11th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival can be made starting at 7 a.m. on July 31. The Festival, which kicks off September 29 and runs through November 12, will again feature special events such as the Party for the Senses weekly grand tasting, Food and Wine Pairings, prestigious wine schools, elegant multi-course dinners with wine pairings and more. Availability for these ticketed events is limited, so be sure to make reservations early. Festival details will be available this summer Make reservations for ticketed events by calling 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378).

JUNE 2006

Booking window extended for Walt Disney World Magic Your Way Vacation Package with FREE Dining Plan!

You now have until June 25, 2006, to book a Magic Your Way package with theme park tickets and the FREE dining plan for most nights August 13 - September 30, 2006. The package includes:

-- a stay at a Disney resort (minimum 3-night, maximum 10-night).
-- Disney theme park admission.
-- FREE Disney Dining Plan. Receive one quick service meal, a select snack and one table-service meal per person, per night of your package. Choose from more than 100 select Disney restaurants, including Disney character dining.

You must book by June 25, 2006, to take advantage of this offer. Call Disney directly or your Travel Agent. AllEarsNet.com recommends MouseFanTravel.com

Animal Kingdom's Sunaulo Toran Fries (McDonald's) Kiosk and Chakranadi Chicken Shop - Kiosk - Asia CLOSED 6/06

MAY 2006

5/16/06: Disney has just announced more details about the new Hollywood & Vine character meals that begin June 25, 2006, with Jo Jo and Goliath from "Jo Jo's Circus" and June and Leo from "The Little Einsteins." The meals, called "Playhouse Disney's Play 'N Dine at Hollywood & Vine" will feature the characters singing and dancing to favorite Playhouse Disney songs. The buffet breakfast, which will run 8-11:20 a.m., will feature Mickey waffles, frittatas and fresh fruits and pastries, and will cost $22.99 for ages 10 and up, $12.99 for ages 3 to 9. Lunch hours will be 11:40 a.m.-2:25 p.m. Among the buffet selections will be baked salmon with citrus butter, multigrain pasta and salads, as well as a dessert and sundae station. Lunch will cost $24.99 ages 10 and up, $13.99 ages 3 to 9. For reservations, call 407-WDW-DINE.

APRIL 2006

4/25/06: New Playhouse Disney Character Dining at Hollywood & Vine in Disney-MGM Studios starts June 25, 2006.

Starting today, April 25, 2006, reservations can be made for a NEW character breakfast or lunch at Hollywood & Vine at Disney-MGM Studios. (Dinner will continue to be a NON-character meal.) Characters featured include: JoJo and Goliath from JoJo's Circus and June and Leo from the Little Einsteins. The meals will be hosted by the Playhouse Pals, who will entertain diners with Playhouse Disney songs and dancing.

Tubbi's, the 24-hour buffeteria located in the Walt Disney World Dolphin, has reopened as Picabu.

4/4/06: WWalt Disney World Magic Your Way Vacation Package with Free Dining Plan!

Note that these were 2006 Offers!

Book a 5-night/6-day package with theme park tickets and the FREE dining plan and you could save more than $190 per adult. For a limited time only, Walt Disney World is now offering a 5-night/6-day vacation package with theme park tickets and a FREE dining plan that could save you more than $190 per adult. This Magic Your Way package with FREE DINING is offered for most nights August 13 - September 30, 2006, and includes:

-- a 5-night/6-day stay at a Disney resort.
-- Disney theme park admission. Your 6-day ticket gives you access to ONE theme park each day.
-- FREE Disney Dining Plan. Receive one quick service meal, a select snack and one table-service meal per person, per night of your package. Choose from more than 100 select Disney restaurants, including Disney character dining.

Rooms are limited. Actual savings are based on the nondiscounted price for the same package. Junior and child rates apply only when occupying room with an adult. Tickets are for one theme park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. No other discounts or group rates apply.

You must book by June 4, 2006, to take advantage of this offer, call Disney directly or your Travel Agent. AllEarsNet.com recommends MouseFanTravel.com .

4/2/06: A limited-time Magic Your Way vacation package that includes Disney's Dining Plan is now available to Disney Visa Cardholders before it is made available to the general public on April 4, 2006. This package is offered for most nights August 13 - September 30, 2006 at select Disney Value Resorts.

Book 5 nights, 6 days at a select Disney Value Resort for only $435 per adult. Add up to two children in the same room for only $176 per child ages 3-9. (Based on adult double occupancy in a standard room.) Package will include:

-- Stay at select Disney Value Resort.
-- Disney theme park admission. Your 6-day ticket gives you access to one theme park each day.
-- Disney Dining Plan. Receive one quick service meal, a select snack and one table-service meal per person, per night of your package. Choose from more than 100 select Disney restaurants, including Disney character dining.

Must book by June 4, 2006. Call Disney directly or your Travel Agent. AllEarsNet.com recommends MouseFanTravel.com .

MARCH 2006

3/9/06: All Star Cafe operating hours changed for the month of March, due to a number of upcoming events at Disney's Wide World of Sports. (Hours may vary, depending on events.)
· March 1, 3, 5-6, 11-13, 15, 17, 18, 22, 23, 25, 29 -- 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.

· March 7, 9 -- 10:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.

· March 8, 10, 14, 24, 27 -- 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Missing Link Sausage Company at Pleasure Island closed 3/19/06

FEBRUARY 2006

2/27/06: Two new restaurants are coming to Walt Disney World! An Asian restaurant will debut in the Village of Anandapur in Animal Kingdom's Asia in Summer 2007. It will offer both table and counter service dining options, as well as house retail space with Asian-inspired merchandise, such as sushi plates and fine teapots.

In early 2008, Downtown Disney will sport a new themed dining experience -- T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover®. The restaurant will be home to life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, a dig site and much more. The table service restaurant will feature waterfalls and geysers, and, as the name indicates, there will also be a retail shop.

The opening dates of both new restaurants, which will be operated by the Rainforest Cafe's Landry's Restaurants, are subject to change.

The Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show at 8pm on February 8 is cancelled due to weather.

Tubbi's, the 24-hour buffeteria located in the Walt Disney World Dolphin, is closed for renovations, and will reopen in early April with a fresh look and a new name. The Dolphin's convenience store is still open, however, it is set to close February 21 as part of the refurbishment as well.

JANUARY 2006

The Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show at 8pm on Jan.18 is cancelled due to weather.
The Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show at 8pm on Jan.14 is cancelled due to weather.

Prices for the Disney Dining Experience, a Disney restaurant discount program, have increased as of January 1, 2006. General Membership (for Florida residents only) is now $85 per year. Annual or Seasonal Passholders can receive a $25 discount, bringing the cost to $60 per year. In addition, there is a now a $25 charge for a secondary membership, for a spouse or member of the same household. Renewal for Passholders is $60 per year; a Florida resident, non-passholder renewal is $70 per year.

Dinner Show Reservation Policy Change - If you wish to book a Hoop Dee Doo Review or Spirit of Aloha Dinner Reservation for dates beginning January 1, 2007, will only be allowed 180 days in advance. During 2006, you can still make reservations greater than 180 days in advance but only until the end of 2006. This changes the current policy allowing reservations up to one year in advance.

The Spirit of Aloha Dinner Shows at 5:15pm and 8pm on Friday, Jan. 6 and Saturday, Jan. 7 are cancelled due to cold weather.

2007 Restaurant and Dining News
2006 Restaurant and Dining News
2005 Restaurant and Dining News
2004 WDW Restaurant and Dining News
2002-2003 WDW Restaurant and Dining News