Disney’s 1900 Park Fare is Tons of Fun

Posted on June 5, 2014 by greenlisa9989@yahoo.com

I have come to realize that we will, most likely, never outgrow our love of character meals at Walt Disney World. Sure, our kids are now 18 and 23, but we still get a kick out of meeting and interacting with Disney characters. Combine that with food and hey – even more to love! C’mon, we can’t be the only ones! Some of you can totally sympathize with this, I bet.

For many years, the Fab Five were our dining companions of choice and no trip to Walt Disney World would be complete without a visit to Chef Mickey’s at the Contemporary Resort. There’s just something so perfectly, classically Disney about seeing Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto. We used to always go for dinner, then we switched to breakfast, then, well, I started thinking about just how many pictures and memories we’d accumulated at Chef Mickey’s…. So, when planning this year’s family vacation, I thought it would be super fun to try something new! We could still have a character meal, but why not make it with a different crowd of Disney celebs at the Grand Floridian’s 1900 Park Fare? Well, as usual, I was right!

1900 Park Fare

It’s a buffet (like Chef Mickey’s), but the setting is a bit different and where the Fab Five are silent while they happily pose for pictures and sign autographs, the characters at 1900 Park Fare are all face characters, meaning…they talk! Cinderella and Prince Charming are there to the delight of children of all ages – but the really FUN characters, especially for big kids (and kids at heart) are Lady Tremaine, Drizella, and Anistasia (the Step Sisters).

Not to diminish Cindy or Charming in any way – they are certainly lovely to look at and as gracious and regal as one would hope and expect. They make their way from table to table like the seasoned royals they are – greeting guests, making polite conversation, paying compliments, posing for pictures, and signing what must amount to hundreds (if not thousands) of autographs as their adoring fans enjoy dinner (and the company of this very kind couple).

That’s not why we ate there. We specifically went to 1900 Park Fare, upon my recommendation, to see Lady Tremaine and the Steps. We’d met them before and we knew they’d be wildly entertaining. Getting the opportunity to mingle with them while we enjoyed dinner was just too good an opportunity to pass up! The are simply amazing. Lady Tremaine is constantly a tad stressed and looking for chocolate to soothe her nerves. And it’s no wonder! Her “darling” daughters are enough to put any mamma on edge.

Prince Charming visited our table first. He was, true to his name, charming. He was polite, an expert at small talk, and very willing to sign the items we’d set out for autographs (more on that another day). Once he left, we had plenty of time to make our first visit to the buffet. A HUGE variety of flavors are featured there – representative of all the “kingdoms” around the world. Just FYI: The pot stickers and sushi were actually really good! But, for the less adventurous, there was a good variety of dishes meant to appeal to the tastes of every guest.

Cinderella stopped by our table next. Smiling, pretty, friendly and kind – just what you’d expect! She was also very willing to autograph any and everything we had placed at the end of our table (with several pens to choose from). Cinderella was so nice…I actually felt sorry for her knowing she’d be overshadowed by what we considered the evening’s main event!

Lady Tremaine was all we’d expected her to be. Short on patience (with commoners), with dead pan humor – she played the adoring and indulgent parent to the hilt! She was very pleased with our Joseph as a potential match for one of her beloved daughters. She was funny and slightly intimidating – just as she is in Cinderella! We thought she was GREAT! But the best was yet to come.

Drizella was the first sister to arrive at our table. Enamored of the gold paint pen we’d set out with our autograph items, she wanted to know if it was “real” gold. We said YES! At once she asked if Joseph was a prince, where he was from, and how many castles he had. It seems those questions were answered to her satisfaction – she next hinted at their exceptional compatibility. Joseph offered her a blue gummy bear as a token of his affection and the deal was done – she shouted for her mother, informed Lady Tremaine of the impending nuptials, then proceeded to jump up and down!

At this point, Anastasia, tired of photo-bombing the pictures recording our table’s excitement, made her way over to introduce herself to her impending in-laws and offer advice. Joseph should begin ring shopping at once – using his nostrils to determine a ring’s suitability. “If a diamond can fit up your nose, it’s too small!” Embracing Megan as her future sister, Anastasia posed for pictures, signed autographs, and gave us pointers on how to look skinnier in photos.

Charming in their own way, the Tremaine women were also hilarious and the stars of the show at 1900 Park Fare! The character of these characters is indescribably fabulous! You just have to experience it to believe how great it is. Even more impressive? When Megan and Joseph ran into Lady Tremaine and the Steps in the Magic Kingdom the next day, Drizella immediately demanded of Joseph, “WHERE is my RING!?!”

Have you ever experience a character meal at 1900 Park Fare? What did you think about it?

Unfair and Unbalanced – Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Posted on January 24, 2014 by greenlisa9989@yahoo.com

Today I’m launching a new type of review – the Unfair and Unbalanced Review. I have found that for a generally (very) opinionated person like myself, one of the best things about having my own blog is that I can talk about whatever I like and express my opinion honestly. You want a fair and balanced review of something Disney-related? This may not be the place for you – you’re entitled to an opinion of your own here, too.

Today I offer you my Unfair and Unbalanced Review of Counter Service Dining Options at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. When I’m finished, I’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions as well – please be as unfair and unbalanced as you like.

Here are the choices:

ABC Commissary – The last time we ate here was on the Dining Plan. I remember nothing – means it wasn’t horrible, but wasn’t delicious either. Currently there are not a lot of choices on the menu – burgers, seafood platter, or salad.

Backlot Express – More choices than the Commissary (and more ambiance, if you care about such). Dogs, burgers, nuggets, and a couple of salads and grilled sandwich options. Just okay.

Catalina Eddie’s, Rosie’s All Star Café, and Fairfax Fare – I’m lumping these three together, but don’t get the wrong idea. It’s not because they’re poor choices for counter service – just the opposite, if fact. They are all in the same area (Eddie’s and Rosie’s are side by side, Fairfax just a few steps away) and if The Fam and I want lunch in the Studios, this is where we head nearly every time. Here’s why: At rope drop, we make a beeline for Toy Story Midway Mania, then go straight to Rock’n’ Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror. At that point, depending on the Fast Pass situation, it may be close to lunch. If not, we’ll visit the shops on Sunset Blvd. until we’re ready to eat. These eateries are in the Sunset Ranch Market on Sunset near the exits for RnRC and TOT and each, on their own, has pretty slim menu options… Combined there’s good variety. With a great outdoor seating area and pretty tasty food – everyone can find something they like. Raymond and I like the hot Italian deli sandwiches (over the pizza) from Catalina Eddie’s and the BBQ pork sandwich from Fairfax Fare (ribs and chicken are also on the menu there). They’re good! Rosie’s has burgers and nuggets (good for picky eaters).

Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner – This is where we go for beer. I’ve heard the Italian sausage is good here too, but since it became tradition – I’ve only had the beer.

Pizza Planet – if you like pizza (or food) do not eat here. Please, just trust me. They call it pizza, but I’d rather just put a piece of cheese and some ketchup on a slice of Wonder bread and eat that. If you like this restaurant, please don’t tell me. I actually might think less of you.

Starring Rolls – THE choice for a mid-morning snack. Perfect location as you start down Sunset Blvd, on the left next to The Hollywood Brown Derby. Delicious, delightful treats can be found here. If you’ve heard rumor of a Butterfinger cupcake – this is the place.

Studio Catering Company – This sandwich shop actually has some pretty decent choices of the pressed, wrapped, and grilled variety. The downside for us is the location – it’s near nothing we care all that much about. Near the entrances to Lights, Motor, Action and Backlot Tour (oh, how we used to love you) on one side and the Honey I Shrunk the Kids play area on the other. On a crowded day at the park, this place would be a good bet as it’s out of the way and there’s lots of seating.

Toluca Legs Turkey Company – Yes, home of the gigantic smoked turkey leg. Hot, greasy, meaty goodness. Joseph eats one here almost every visit. I ate one once. Then I found out the fat gram and calorie count. Seriously – I’m pushing 50 and my metabolism’s shot. I must never eat one again. You go right ahead though.

So – bottom line. Our favorite choices for counter service at the Studios is over at the Sunset Ranch Market area near the end of Sunset Blvd. You’ll find reasonably priced, tasty fare in a great location. Toluca Legs is over there, too, if you just have to have one – don’t blame me if you go home heavier – I did try to warn you.