Which are the best Walt Disney World Restaurants for kids? Disney World offers some very unique dining choices and sometimes it can get overwhelming to choose which ones the kids are really going to love. It can be difficult to choose which of the Disney character dining experiences, or the uniquely themed restaurants are the ones which your kids are going to like the most. Here is a guide to my personal Top 10 best Disney World restaurants for kids.

Photo by hubsterdisney

Disney Sci Fi Dine In Theater

Photo by expressmonorail

Think diner food in one of the most unique restaurants in Walt Disney World and here you have the Sci Fi Dine in Theater. The kids are going to find this Disney Hollywood Studios restaurant a whole lot of fun. Step back to the 1950s for some traditional diner food in a restaurant which looks as though you have stepped right into a movie drive in. The first thing that you will notice is of course the tables which look like convertible cars all lined up in front of a huge movie screen. The second thing you as an adult will notice is how loud and dark the room is! The fun here is about the design and the atmosphere so make sure that you ask to sit at one of the convertible car tables as there are some picnic style tables at the back of the restaurant which you will probably want to avoid.

The food here is not the best in Disney World. You come here for the atmosphere. And usually because the kids really want to go here. Expect average food at high prices and you won’t be disappointed.

For more information about restaurant and to see the menu here is our guide:

Disney Sci-Fi Dine in Theater

Disney Princess Storybook Dining

The Akershus restaurant in Epcot World Showcase is home to the very popular Disney Princess Storybook Dining. If you want to give your kids one of the best chances to meet and talk with the Disney Princesses then this is a great opportunity. You can never guarantee that a certain character will actually appear but you do often find Princess Aurora, Belle, Ariel, Princess Jasmine and Snow White.

You have a choice of breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Disney Princess Once Upon a Time Breakfast offers pre plated all you can eat breakfast favorites. The Princess Storybook Lunch and the Dinner are a combination of all you care to eat buffet items and entrees which you order from the menu. The quality of the food is pretty average but really you go here for the great chance to meet the Princesses not for the food.

The price of the meal includes a photo package. For more information here is our guide at

Disney Princess Storybook Dining

Disney’s Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Villa Resort

There are very few restaurants in the world where you can dine whilst looking out of the window to watch zebras, giraffe and other wildlife passing by. Sanaa is located at the Animal Kingdom Villas at Kidani Village. There is a huge picture window overlooking the savannah. One of the best times to go is lunch time as of course you can see the animals passing by outside. This is a very unique experience for all the family, not just the kids!

This is one of the lesser known Disney restaurants but it is also one of the most spectacular and if you are prepared to be a little adventurous it also has some of the very best food.

The menu is described as being African food with Indian influences. What this translates to is a very high quality interesting menu with such items as Tandoori Chicken, various curries, spicy side dishes and naan breads. Don’t be concerned if the kids are more of the mac and cheese preferring kind! Sanaa has the usual kids menu offerings of pizza, cheeseburger and macaroni and cheese.

Disney Chef Mickey’s

Photo by Bart Hanlon

Chef Mickey’s is a very popular character dining experience for all the family. It is particularly great for young children as it is chance to get up close to Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Chef Mickey’s is located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort which is just minutes away from the Magic Kingdom. Breakfast and dinner are served each day.

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Chip and Dale are usually there at breakfast. Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto, and Donald Duck usually go for dinner. As with all character appearances these are subject to change.

The food is good quality buffet fare and there is plenty of choice for even the pickiest eaters. This is very popular with young children so go there expecting a noisy, fun atmosphere and you won’t go far wrong!

For a complete guide with the menu and prices go to

Disney Chef Mickey’s

Cinderella’s Royal Table

Want to know how you can get a look inside Cinderella’s Castle? Be one of the lucky ones who manage to snag a reservation at the most popular of the Disney Restaurants – Cinderella’s Royal Table. This is an extremely popular restaurant. Not only do you get to dine inside the Magic Kingdom Castle but you also get to meet Cinderella. You may also see The Fairy Godmother, Princess Belle, Princess Aurora and Snow White (you know I am going to say that all character appearances are not guaranteed and are subject to change without notice).

The food is pretty good and the kids (and the grown ups) will love the chance to meet their favorite Princesses.

For a complete guide go to:

Cinderella’s Royal Table is it Worth It?

T-Rex Cafe Restaurant in Downtown Disney

This is a relative newcomer in Walt Disney World which was created by the same people who brought you the very popular Rain Forest Cafe. The theme is of course the pre historic world so expect dinosaurs, decent but pricey food and a whole lot of noise! This is a great restaurant to take the kids and of course as it is in Downtown Disney you can visit on one of your non park days as you won’t need a ticket.

The menu at the T-Rex Cafe is definitely on the pricey side. But who can resist Asteroid French Onion Soup, Brachiosaurus Bruschetta , or a Gigantosaurus Burger? Well the kids probably can but don’t worry, there is a kids menu with the usual favorites, pizza, burgers and pasta.

Disney Crystal Palace Restaurant

The Crystal Palace is located at the end of Main Street in Magic Kingdom. It is a great place to take the kids, particularly the 5 and under set. This is one of my very favorite Disney character dining restaurants as not only do you get to meet Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore the food is also pretty good for all the family. The Crystal Palace serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. A particularly good choice is lunch as you can take a break in the middle of the day to sit down and refuel.

1900 Park Fare

This is another very popular Disney World character dining restaurant where at dinner you get the chance to meet Cinderella. 1900 Park Fare is located in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort so is just a very short monorail ride from the Magic Kingdom. It has some of the highest quality buffet food in the whole of Walt Disney World. Breakfast characters include Alice in Wonderland, The Mad Hatter, Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh, and Tigger. If you want to see Princess Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, Drizella and Anastasia then they are usually scheduled to appear at dinner.

There is a special children’s buffet section which is low down so that the kids can help themselves. 1900 Park Fare is of course a very popular Disney dining location. It can get pretty busy and is rather loud but it is definitely a winner with the kids!

Hoop Dee Doo Musical Review

The Hoop Dee Doo Musical Review is a fun dinner show which has played to guests since 1974 at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. The show is practically unchanged since that time so if you are looking for Disney nostalgia which is great fun for both kids and adults then this is a wonderful choice. The show is held in Pioneer Hall which is the hub of Fort Wilderness Campground and Resort. It is very popular and shows run 3 times a night.

The food is served family style and includes breads, salad, Fried Chicken, Smoked Barbecued Pork Ribs, Mashed Potatoes, and Country Style Baked Beans. Very traditional fare. The real appeal of this experience is of course the entertainment. Table are pre assigned and the closer you are to the stage the pricier the reservation. Be prepared to be entertained by Johnny Ringo and Claire de Lune the dancers, Jim Handy and Flora Long the singers, and Six Bits Slocum and Dolly Drew provide the comedy.

Epcot Coral Reef Restaurant

Photo by expressmonorail

Epcot Coral Reef restaurant is another great choice for both the kids and the adults. Coral Reef is a restaurant with a difference. The restaurant has a wall of 8 feet high windows which look onto the huge salt water aquarium. which is part of the Seas With Nemo and Friends pavilion in Epcot Future World. Sit and eat your meal whilst you watch up to 85 species of fish in the giant tank. Perhaps more entertaining for the children is the fact that often you can see divers float past your table.

Whilst the concept of Epcot Coral Reef is an excellent one and the decor and theme are a brilliant idea, reviews are mixed about the food and the service. Here is my review at:

Epcot Coral Reef Restaurant

Whichever restaurant you choose in Walt Disney World there are plenty of options to keep the kids (and the grown ups) happy. Which is your favorite Disney restaurant? Leave me a Comment!

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If you are visiting Disney World in March 2012 it is always good to know what events are happening and which rides and attractions will be closed for refurbishment. Planning ahead is always a good idea when you vista Walt Disney World. The more you know before you go, the more you will enjoy your vacation! We have tried to be as accurate as possible with these dates but things do change, so if you are visiting in March always check schedules before you arrive.

All photos by hubsterdisney

Is March a good time to visit Walt Disney World?

In early March crowds do tend to be relatively low and the weather is usually great with an average temperature of 78 degrees. March of course brings Spring Break so expect the crowds to be heavier, particularly around the week of March 10th when many schools are on vacation.

Which Disney World Rides are Closed in March 2012?

One of the most popular rides with young children is Dumbo The Flying Elephant and this will be closed until March 12th 2012. You will want to warn the little ones about this to avoid disappointment. The Magic Carpets of Aladdin is close by and is exactly the same type of ride, but for many it just isn’t the same!

Another Magic Kingdom headline ride Big Thunder Mountain is close for refurbishment until May 27th. This is a very popular ride in the park so the fact that it is closed may mean that crowds are heavier in that area and that the lines for the adjacent ride Splash Mountain are longer. As always with the popular rides get a Fast Pass if you can and this will cut down the amount of time that you spend in line.

The Studio Backlot Tour in Disney Hollywood Studios is closed is closed from February 13th to March 9th 2012.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon is closed until March 18th but Blizzard Beach is open if you want to enjoy one of the water parks. This doesn’t tend to have too much effect on crowd levels as traditionally attendance at the water parks is lower in these winter months.

Disney World Restaurant and Resort Facility Closures for March 2012

One of the restaurants in Epcot’s Italy, Tutto Italia Ristorante will be closed until April 28th 2012. The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor in Magic Kingdom is also closed until March 28th.

If you are a guest of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa then you will want to know that the pool slide will be closed from February 6th and reopen on March 3rd. The pool itself is still open, it is just the slide that is being refurbished.

Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival

This is a very popular annual event in Disney’s Epcot park and runs from March 7th to May 20th 2012. No separate entrance ticket is needed – it is included with your general admission to Epcot. The park is beautifully decorated with flowers and spectacular topiary designs.

This popular Flower Power Concert Series is held at the weekends at the American Gardens Theater in World Showcase. Performances are at 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.

March 9th to 11th Jose Feliciano
March 16th to 18th Starship Starring Mickey Thomas
March 23rd to 25th The Guess Who
March 30th to April 1st The Spinners
April 6th to 8th Chubby Checker & The Wildcats
April 13th to 15th Paul Revere & The Raiders
April 20th to 22nd The Turtles Featuring Flo & Eddie
April 27th to 29th Chuck Negron, Formerly of Three Dog Night
May 4th to 6th The Orchestra Starring Former Members of ELO
May 11th to 13th Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone
May 18th to 20th Davy Jones

There are also HGTV celebrities scheduled to present the concert series as follows:

John Gidding from HGTV’s Curb Appeal: The Block – March 9th to 11th
Sabrina Soto of The High/Low Project – March 16th to 18th
Jason Cameron from DIY Network’s Desperate Landscapes and Man Caves – March 23rd to 25th
Camille Styles who is an HGTV.com Entertainment contributor – March 30th to April 1st
Dan Faires of HGTV.com’s DanMade and Fan Favorite HGTV Design Star Season 5 – April 6th to 8th
Brandon Johnson who is host of HGTV’s My Yard Goes Disney – April 13th to 15th
Meg Caswell, of Meg’s Great Rooms is presenting April 20th to 22nd
Monica Pedersen from HGTV Dream Home Tour 2012 and Designed to Sell is presenting April 27th to 29th
Antonio Ballatore, HGTV’s The Antonio Treatment – May 4th to 6th
To be determined – presenting May 11th to 13th
Genevieve Gorder of Dear Genevieve and HGTV Design Star – May 18th to 20th

Have a wonderful vacation if you are visiting Walt Disney World in March 2012.

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Are you celebrating your birthday at Walt Disney World and want some ideas of things that you can do to make the day special. Disney World is a great place to spend any day but it is always a lot of fun to spend your birthday at the parks. So what is there to do on your birthday?

Photo by expressmonorail

Disney World Free Things to Do on Your Birthday

If you are staying at one of the Disney World resorts then always tell the Cast Members at the time you make the reservation and at the time that you check in that someone is celebrating a birthday. They will usually ask you what your favorite Disney character is and arrange for something special like balloons and perhaps even a small cup cake or dessert treat to be brought to your room. I have done this many times – sometimes it works and sometimes not but it doesn’t hurt to try.

Another fun and free thing to do is go to Guest Services at the parks and ask for a Birthday Pin. This is a fun keepsake but also when you wear this most Cast Members will say Happy Birthday to you when they see it. If you have an autograph book with you the characters will often put a special birthday greeting in there for you.

Disney Celebration Cakes

If you are dining at any Disney World restaurant or staying at a Disney World resort you can order a customized cake for a birthday or other special celebration. Call 407-827-2253 for customized cake orders and give at least 48 hours notice. The cake can be delivered to your room or any Disney full service restaurant.

If you just want a 6″ celebration cake you can order these at the check in podium of any Disney restaurant. You can also order these via your concierge or front desk at any Disney resort if you want it to be delivered to your room. They do not need to be ordered in advance like the customized cakes. The cost for this celebration cake is $21 plus tax and gratuity.

If you do not want to buy a cake then mention the fact that there is someone with a birthday in your party at any Disney restaurant and they will usually bring a small cup cake with a candle in it for you.

Goofy Party Central

If you want to celebrate a child’s birthday with a party at Disney World then Goofy Party Central is a great option. Parties are held every day by advance reservation in a special party room at Goofy’s Candy Company in Downtown Disney. All parties are 90 minutes long and are for guests aged 3 and up. To reserve your party call 407-WDW-BDAY.

The rate for Goofy Party Central for up to 12 guests is $367.38. You can add up to 3 more guests for $25 each. Each party includes 2 hosts, invitations and thank you cards for your guests. There are 2 theme choices for your party:

The Perfectly Princess Party

Perfect for your little Princesses birthday when she will receive a crown, a sash, a boxed glass slipper and mylar balloon. Guests play Perfectly Princess party games, decorate a special treat and receive an autographed picture of Cinderella, a glow necklace and a balloon.

Goofy’s Scien-Terrific Birthday Bash

A Goofy themed birthday party for your special day. The birthday child will receive a Goofy gum ball machine and a mylar balloon. Guests play Goofy games, decorate a treat and get a Goofy glacier cup. They will receive special glow glasses, a party balloon and an autographed picture of Goofy.

Celebrate at a Special Disney World Restaurant

There are lots of amazing Disney World restaurants to choose from for your birthday celebration. Whatever your age there is something that you will really enjoy for your special day.

For younger children a special character meal is a great idea. Here is a guide to the choices available:

Disney World Character Dining

There are plenty of choices for the adults too. Here is a guide to the very best:

Top 10 Most Romantic Restaurants in Walt Disney World

However you celebrate your Disney World birthday you will be sure to have a magical and memorable day!

If you are booking a Disney World Dining Plan for your vacation here is a useful guide so that you can compare the different options and prices for 2012.

The Disney Dining Plan is only available if you book a Disney resort hotel package which includes park tickets. The Dining Plan is now also open to Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members who book a Disney World hotel stay.

Photo lorenjavier

What are the different types of Disney World Dining Plan and how much do they cost?

Disney World Quick Service Dining Plan

Each guest will receive 2 Counter Service Meals and 1 Snack Per Day for each night of your stay.

For example if you stay 5 nights you will receive a total of 10 Counter Service Meals and 5 Snacks for your visit. You can use the ‘Credits’ on any day of your stay. So if you wanted to use 3 Snack Credits on one day you could, and then you would have 2 left for the rest of your stay.

You can easily keep track of your remaining Dining Credits. Each time you use a Credit you will receive a receipt and the total balance for your party will be on that. You can also ask at any Disney dining or resort location for them to check what remains on your Credit Balance.

All of your Credits expire at midnight on the day that you check out. This is the same for all of the Disney Dining Plans.

What is included in a Quick Service Meal? For breakfast you can have a entree and any non alcoholic beverage, for lunch and dinner it includes an entree, dessert and a non alcoholic beverage. Children must choose from the children’s menu when one is available.

Each guest also gets a resort refillable mug each for the duration of their stay. You can have unlimited drinks refills from your home resort. This means that if you are staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge you would only be able to refill the mug at that resort. You can no longer take it to a different resort and get free refills.

The price of The Disney World Quick Service Dining Plan is unchanged from 2011 at:

$34.99 per day for adults
$11.99 per day for children aged 3 to 9

Disney Dining Plan

This will give guests 1 Table Service Meal, 1 Quick Service Meal and 1 Snack Credit for each day of their visit.

Guests on the Disney Dining Plan also get the resort refillable mug.

Prices for the Disney Dining Plan have increased since last year and are now:

$45.99 per day (Regular Season) and $47.99 per day (Peak Season) for Adults

$11.99 per day (Regular Season) and $12.99 per day (Peak Season) for Children aged 3 to 9.

A Table Service meal for breakfast includes an entree and a non alcoholic beverage. You can also have a buffet breakfast. For lunch and dinner you can choose an entree and a dessert, or a buffet. A non alcoholic beverage is also included.

There are some Signature Restaurants which will require 2 Credits. Examples of this are Cinderella’s Royal Table and Epcot Le Cellier Steakhouse

Gratuities are not included for the Table Service Meals except at Dinner Shows and Cinderella’s Royal Table. What this means is that you are going to have quite a bit of extra charge per day on gratuities for Disney restaurant meals.

Disney charges more at most restaurants for Peak Season. The currently announced Peak Season dates are:

2/16/12 – 2/25/12,
3/09/12 – 4/14/12
6/1/12 – 8/4/12,
12/21/12 – 12/31/12

Over the years Disney World has increased the Peak Season dates more and more so that is now covers quite a considerable period of the year.

In my opinion this Dining Plan is a much better value than the Quick Service Dining. If you budget allows, the Disney full service restaurants are a great experience and the Dining Plan really does mean that you can save some money.

Deluxe Disney Dining Plan

This offers the most options – and probably more food than you can actually eat! Each day you have credit for a total of 3 meals which can be either full service or quick service dining. So if you wanted 3 character buffets a day this would cover it.

You also get 2 Snacks per day and a resort refillable mug.

The pricing for the 2012 Deluxe Disney Dining Plan per day is:

$85.52 (Regular Season) and $89.52 (Peak Season) for Adults
$23.79 per day (Regular Season) and $25.79 (Peak Season) for Children aged 3 to 9.

Gratuities are not included so this could add quite a considerable amount onto your dining charges.

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There are some great Disney Hollywood Studios restaurants. Whether you are looking for elegant dining, traditional Italian home cooked style food, a fun character buffet, or great diner food and entertainment there is something for everyone in Disney Hollywood Studios dining choices. There are four full service dining choices in Disney Hollywood Studios. All can be reserved by calling 407 WDW DINE up to 180 days ahead.

Disney Sci Fi DIne in Theater

Photo by expressmonorail

If you are looking for a very unusual restaurant where the emphasis is on the entertainment (and some would say not so much on the food) then Disney’s Sci Fi Dine in Theater is the one for you. This is certainly one of the most uniquely themed restaurants in Disney World – guests dine in convertible car tables in front of a huge movie screen. Eat traditional American diner style food whilst watching 1950s Sci-fi B movies.

As a themed restaurant this one is a great choice. The food is pretty average and also on the pricey side, but you pay for the experience rather than the cuisine.

For a full review and a look at the menu go to Disney Sci Fi Dine in Theater

Mama Melrose Ristorante Italiano

If you want good home style Italian cooking in a relaxed family atmosphere then Mama Melrose is the place to go. This is my favorite of all the Disney Hollywood Studios restaurants. The decor is really well done. As soon as you step into the lobby you will see the brick walls lined with photos of celebrities who have dined here. True, most of those were in the 1980s and your kids (and even you) may have difficulty recognizing who some of them are, but it all goes to creating a really special atmosphere. The open kitchen is also fascinating to watch. Take some time out to watch the chef’s busily preparing the flat breads.

The menu has a great selection of Italian food. The pastas are good and so are the flatbreads. And don’t miss the Gelato for dessert.

Click the link below to read a full review and see the menu.

Mama Melrose Ristorante Italiano

Disney Hollywood and Vine

If you have young children then you won’t want to miss breakfast or lunch at Hollywood and Vine when The LIttle Einsteins are in attendance. June, Leo, Hanny Manny and Special Agent Oso are there for breakfast and lunch. Be aware though that dinner does not have characters there.

The food is buffet style with plenty of choices. You will find the usual breakfast favorites such as scrambled eggs, pastries and of course Mickey Waffles. Lunch and dinner have a good choice of salads, entrees and sides. The desserts are always pretty good too!

For a complete menu and review click here: Disney Hollywood and Vine

Disney Hollywood Brown Derby

If you are looking for a very good standard of food in an elegant relaxed setting then this is a good choice. The decor and menu are modeled after the original famed restaurant in Los Angeles. Every restaurant in Disney World is family friendly but this one has the most grown up feel to it, so if you have young kids you might want to think about another choice (but I have taken all my kids there from being babies and it was no hassle).

For a review of the restaurant and the current menu go to Disney Hollywood Brown Derby

At all of the Disney Hollywood Studios Restaurants you can book the Fantasmic! Dining Package. On select nights at the park the spectacular Fantasmic! show is held in the 6000 seater auditorium. The only drawback to this amazing show is that to get a seat you have to arrive there at least 1 hour and sometimes up to 2 hours at very busy times. The Fantasmic! Dinner Package will get you into a reserved seating area (although not a reserved seat) so that you can arrive at the show 30 to 45 minutes ahead of time.

There are a limited number of Fantasmic Packages available each day and you can reserve by calling 407 WDW DINE up to 180 days ahead.

Whichever one of the Disney Hollywood Studios Restaurants you choose you are sure to have a great dining experience.

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Where can you find Sleeping Beauty in Disney World? Sleeping Beauty or Princess Aurora is a very popular Disney Princess and many guests hope to meet her in person when they visit Disney World. So where are the best places to find her?

Photo by lorenjavier

Sleeping Beauty in Disney Magic Kingdom

Sleeping Beauty is easiest to find in Magic Kingdom where she can be in one of a number of places. As with all Disney characters remember that you should check schedules the day that you arrive in the park and that character appearances are subject to change without notice.

Cinderella’s Royal Table

Cinderella’s Royal Table is the incredibly ocular restaurant inside Cinderella’s Castle in Magic Kingdom. Getting a reservation here is the most difficult of all the Disney restaurants. The combination of the attraction of dining inside the Castle and the chance to meet some of the Disney Princesses makes this the most difficult of all of the restaurants to get a reservation for in the whole of Walt Disney World. It isn’t just Cinderella who you will find here. Sleeping Beauty sometimes makes an appearance here. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at Cinderella’s Royal Table.

Photo by armadillo444

Disney Dreams Come True Parade at Magic Kingdom

This is one of the most popular parades in Disney World and it is held most days (usually around 3pm) in Magic Kingdom. Princess Aurora and her Princess friends make an appearance in each parade. This is one of the best chances to see the Disney Princesses but of course this is a parade so you can only watch them from afar. The Main Street Electrical Parade is another chance to see Aurora. This is not held every day so check your schedule for appearances.

Dream Along With Mickey

This is a must see show which takes place in the forecourt at the front of Disney’s Cinderella Castle each day. Usually there are 3 performances each day but as always check your schedule. Mickey and Minnie also appear in this song and dance show which includes Snow White, Cinderella and Princess Aurora.

Disney’s Storybook Princesses Town Square Theater

There is a good chance that you will be able to meet and greet Princess Aurora in the Town Square Theater. Even if Sleeping Beauty is not there then you will certainly be able to see one of her Disney Princess friends. Check your schedule for times. This is one of the best places for meeting the Disney Princesses without having to book a character dining meal.

Princess Aurora in Epcot

Over the years the Disney Princesses have made more and more appearances inside Disney’s Epcot and now it is one of the best places to go for a chance to see your favorite.

Disney Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus

Disney Princess Storybook Dining is one of the very best places to spend some quality time with the Disney Princesses. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Akershus restaurant in the Epcot Norway Pavilion there is a good chance that Sleeping Beauty will be there. Usually 4 or 5 Disney Princesses are there at any one time and can include Princess Jasmine, Snow White, Belle and Sleeping Beauty. There is no guarantee that a specific Princess will be there but there is sure to be at least one Princess on your favorites list.

Princess Aurora is also regularly seen outside the Epcot France Pavilion. This is an excellent place to meet both Belle and Sleeping Beauty as generally the lines are shorter than for meet and greet in Magic Kingdom. Look on your daily schedule for times.

Princess Aurora Outside the Disney Parks

There are few chances to see the Disney Princesses outside the Disney parks as they usually keep to Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You won’t see Princesses inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

My Disney Girl’s Perfectly Princess Tea Party

This regal tea party is held each Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:30am until Noon in the Grand Floridian Hotel Garden View Lounge. Hosted by Miss Rose Petal who is a rose from Sleeping Beauty’s garden this is a very special, and at $250 for one adult and one child, very expensive tea party. Any of the Disney Princesses can be there with Rose Petal but often it is Sleeping Beauty herself. This is a very popular event and the reviews are usually positive. It is recommended for girls aged 3 to 11 and is promoted as a mother daughter event. As well as being served tea, cake and sandwiches, girls receive a lot of extra goodies including a doll which is dressed just like Princess Aurora.

Who is your favorite Disney Princess? Have you had the chance to meet her yet? Leave me a Comment below.

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Are you thinking of visiting Walt Disney World in February 2012 and want to know what events are happening and which rides are being refurbished. When you visit Walt Disney World it is always a good idea to know what special events will be taking place as well as finding out which rides will be closed. So what is happening in February 2012 at Walt Disney World?

Photo by armadillo444

Disney World Ride and Attraction Closures for Refurbishment in February 2012

If you have small children you need to know that the Dumbo ride in Magic Kingdom is closed from January 9th until February 17th 2012. There are of course plenty of other rides for toddlers but if your young one particularly wants to ride on Dumbo then you may want to prepare them for the fact that it is closed.

Big Thunder Mountain in Magic Kingdom is also closed fro refurbishment and will re open on 27th May. This is a very popular attraction and so that area in the park will likely be rather busy with guests finding that the only major attraction in that area is Splash Mountain. So plan ahead if you want to ride Splash Mountain as the lines will likely be longer than usual for that time of year. Ride early in the day or later at night, or get a Fast Pass.

The Main Street Electric Parade is only running on February 2nd, 6th, 13th, 16th, 17th, 18th. 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 24th, 25th, and 27th 2012.

The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor which is located on Main Street in Magic Kingdom will be closed until March 27th 2012.

Unfortunately Fantasmic! is only staged in Disney Hollywood Studios for limited dates in February 2012. Over the last year the once daily show has now been reduced to select performances. Fantasmic! will only be shown on February 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 26th, 28th, and 29th. The wait time for Fantasmic! is always long – you need to arrive at least 60 minutes and up to 90 minutes before the show starts. These shows are likely to be extremely popular due to the limited availability of performances. If you want to book a Fantasmic! Dinner Package be sure to do so as much ahead of time as you can by calling 407 WDW DINE.

Tutto Italia Ristorante is closed in Epcot until April 30th 2012. There is another restaurant as an alternative in Epcot Italy but make sure you get your reservations ahead of time for the very popular Via Napoli Ristorante.

Typhoon Lagoon is closed until 17th March 2012 but Blizzard Beach is open during that time if you want to visit a Disney Water Park.

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

The annual Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is taking place from February 24th to February 26th. The weekend is full of special events and the Disney Princess Half Marathon takes place on Sunday February 26th 2012. The half marathon is run through Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Who can resist the chance to earn a Disney Princess Half Marathon Tiara Finisher Medal? Other events taking place over the weekend include Disney Royal Family 5K, Disney Royal Family Kid’s races and Disney Princess Fitness Expo.

If you want more information visit the official Disney Princess Marathon site.

The event is not as large as the Disney World Marathon which takes place in January each year but it will have an effect on crowds. So expect the parks to be pretty busy on that weekend. In fact the busiest week in February is likely to be 17th February to 26th February as this is the President’s Day weekend crowd. If you have a choice of when to visit in February 2012 then most likely the quieter weeks will be the first 2 weeks of February 2012.

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If you are looking for one of the most entertaining restaurants in Disney World then head to the Sci-Fi Dine in Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You would never know from the exterior the entertainment that is inside this highly original restaurant but as you can see from the amazing picture above you are in for a treat. Whilst some guests report that the food is rather average most everyone agrees that you can’t beat the highly original interior design! Where else will you sit in a table which looks like a convertible car whilst watching a movie reel and be served by wait staff on roller skates?

Photo by express monorail

You step back into the 1950s when you enter the Sci-Fi Dine In. Lots of 1950s movie posters line the walls. When you enter the Sci-Fi Dine In Theater you will notice 3 things. The convertible car tables. The huge movie screen. The dark.

Most of the tables in the restaurants look like convertible cars, and there is a huge screen in front of you – just like an original drive in movie theater. Most of the tables are this car design but always make sure that you request one if you want one (and be prepared to wait even longer). There are some picnic type tables at the back of the room but these really aren’t anywhere near as much fun. Much of the appeal of the restaurant is sitting in the car tables so you will likely be disappointed if you don’t sit in one. Be aware though that the tables are quite small and you may feel a little cramped. And it is so dark it is very difficult to actually read the menus!

Photo by expressmonorail

The disadvantage of the car tables is that you are seated in rows. This is fine if you have a larger party. But if you are a couple you will most likely be sitting behind someone you don’t know and trying to eat and watch the movie reel over the top of their head!

There is a huge screen at the front of the restaurant which shows a really entertaining movie which features Walt Disney himself. It is a series of clips from 1950s Sci-fi B movies. The reel is about 35 minutes long so you will most likely be watching it more than once. It would be good if they could add to this so it is longer as it is a big reason why you dine in the restaurant.

The main appeal of this restaurant is the atmosphere and the decor. It is something that you really do need to experience at least once. The food in my opinion is average. Expect reasonable quality diner food and you won’t be disappointed. I know some of you are going to disagree with me and say that the food is amazing but for me it is one of my least favorite Disney World restaurants if I am looking just at the food. But for fun factor this is one of my favorites. My kids absolutely love it which is why we will always go back.

Photo by wyscan

So what is on the menu at the Sci-Fi Dine in Theater? It serves lunch and dinner and here is the new dinner menu:

Appetizers

Buffalo Chicken Potato Skins with Blue Cheese Topping and Celery Sticks $9.99

Chicken Wings with Honey Chipotle Barbecue Sauce, Blue Cheese Dressing and Celery Sticks $11.49

Spinach and Artichoke Dip served with Corn Tortilla Chips $7.99

Crispy Onion Rings with Horseradish Dipping Sauce $8.49

Mixed Greens $7.49

BLT Soup Tomato Basil Soup Topped with a Herb Crouton, Shredded Lettuce and Bacon $6.99

Entrees

Rib Eye Steak with Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables and Red Wine Sauce $24.99

Shrimp Pasta Bowtie Pasta and Shrimp with Olive Oil, Garlic, Basil, Tomatoes and Parmesan $21.99

The All American Picnic Burger Flame Broiled Angus Burger Patty topped with Grilled Hot Dog, Sauerkraut, Sauteed Onions, Pickle Spear, Ketchup and Mustard. Served with a choice of Cucumber Salad or Fries $15.99

Whole Grain Pasta with Seasonal Vegetables and Fresh Tomato Broth $17.99

Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Watercress, Vine Ripened Tomatoes, Mayonaise and drizzled with Balsamic Vinegar on a Caraway Salted Bun Served with French Fires or Cucumber Salad $14.99

Angus Chuck Burger Flame Broiled Beef Patty topped with Cheddar or Swiss, Sauteed Mushrooms, Crispy Bacon, Lettuce and Tomatoes, Served with French Fries or Cucumber Salad $14.99 or with 2 Beef Pattys for $18.99

The Reuben Corned Beef, Swiss and Sauerkraut and Thousand Island Dressing on Rye served with a Pickle Spear and choice of Cucumber Salad of Fries $12.49

Vegetable Burger Vegetable Patty topped with Cucumber Planks Tomatoes, Grilled Red Onions, Argula and Pickel Spear drizzled with Balsamic Vinegar served with a choice of Cucumber Salad or Sweet Potato Fries $12.49

Smoked Turkey Sandwich Smoked Turkey, Crispy Bacon, Lettuce and Tomatoes Avocado Mayonaise on Multi Grain Bread Served with Cucumber Salad $12.99

Desserts

Fresh Fruit Salad $5.99

No Sugar Added Dessert Brownie with Ice Cream and Strawberries $7.99

Apple Crumble $7.99

Hot Fudge Sundae $6.99

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake $7.99

Non Alcoholic Specialty Drinks

Glowing Character Punch Minute Maid Light Lemonade Punch served in a souvenir cup with a glowing Disney Character Light $6.49

Milk Shakes Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry or Oreo Cookie Ice Cream $4.69

Flavored Sodas Coke Blended with Vanilla or Cherry Flavors $3.19 with refills available

Sc-Fi Dine In Theater Kids Menu

For $8.99 kids can choose an appetizer, entree, dessert and beverage from the children’s menus. Appetizer choices are Tomato Soup or Garden Salad. Entrees are Macaroni and Cheese, Hot Dog or Cheeseburger. French Fries are available. For dessert there is a Fruit Salad or Ice Cream Sundae.

Or they can get the Kids Complete Meal served on a Mickey Plate. This is $8.99 and also includes appetizer entree, dessert and beverage. They can have Cheese Pizza with Veggies and Sliced Apples. Or the Meaty Macaroni which is Ground Turkey with Marinara Sauce topped with Mozzarella served with Veggies and Fruit Salad.

The Sci-Fi Dine in Theater is an experience which you have to have at least once when you visit Disney World. Go for the atmosphere and not for the food and you will not be disappointed.

Do you love Sci-Fi Dine in Theater? Tell me what you think by leaving a Comment below.

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The 1900 Park Fare menu is a selection of buffet items which will keep even the pickiest eater happy. 1900 Park Fare is located inside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Hotel and offers a breakfast and dinner buffet. One of the main attractions of the dinner buffet is that Disney Princess Cinderella is in attendance. This is one of the best ways to meet Cinderella in all of the Disney theme parks so this is a particularly popular venue.

As always we visited the restaurant with our various special dietary requirements. We have 2 family members who need gluten free food, two children are vegetarian and one is vegan. Disney World restaurants are always excellent when dealing with special dietary requests. On a recent visit for breakfast a lot of the buffet was already gluten free. The real treat was the gluten free vegan pancakes and waffles which the chef brought out for us.

1900 Park Fare is a very lively restaurant venue. The tables are pretty close together and it always seems to be very busy with wait staff constantly moving quickly to get the tables cleared and the drinks served. That said our waitress was very attentive. The characters do an excellent job of visiting each table and spending time with the guests. Expect a loud, high energy experience with good quality buffet food and you will not be disappointed at 1900 Park Fare.

1900 Park Fare Breakfast Menu

The menu does vary from time to time but the basics are usually the same. There is a low buffet table for the kids so that they can reach to help themselves to some of their favorite items.

The price of the 1900 Park Fare breakfast is $26.62 for adults and $14.90 for children aged 3 to 9. Children under 3 are free. These prices are correct as at November 2011 and include tax but not gratuity. This restaurant has higher Holiday pricing at popular times of the year.

The characters who appear include Alice in Wonderland, The Mad Hatter, Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh, and Tigger. As always these characters are not guaranteed to be there on the day that you visit.

Breads and Pastries

A selection sliced breads, croissants, English muffins, bagels, pecan sticky bun, strawberry and apple turnovers, cheese danish, apple, granola and blueberry muffins, cream cheese, boursin cream cheese, strawberry jam and grape jelly.

Cold Buffet

Assorted yogurts, fresh fruit including strawberries, cottage cheese, cream rice ambrosia, stewed plums, chilled strawberry soup, an assortment of cereals, oatmeal, grits, granola, ice cream with toppings, peaches, pears, applesauce, Jello-O, Rice Krispie Treats, smoked salmon and capers, assorted varieties of cream cheese.

Hot Buffet

Chef cooked custom eggs and omelets with assorted toppings including mushroom,provolone,sausage, peppers and mozzarella, bacon, sausage links, carved ham, eggs benedict with lobster sauce scrambled eggs, cheese blintz, strawberry melba, apple cobbler, peach and white chocolate bread pudding, vanilla sauce, blueberry pancakes, corned beef hash, Spanish Scramble, mini pancakes, Mickey waffles,French toast, country-style biscuits and gravy, grits, oatmeal and breakfast potatoes with cheese.

1900 Park Fare Dinner Menu

The 1900 Park Fare dinner is served from 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm each day. It is an all you care to eat buffet priced at $42.59 for adults and $21.29 for children aged 3 to 9. THe under 3s are free. This includes taxes but not the gratuity. The rate will be higher for certain dates of the season (such as but not limited to Christmas, New Year and Thanksgiving)

The big draw here is that Cinderella is in attendance. Her Prince Charming is with her as well as her step sisters Anastasia and Drizella and her step mother Lady Tremaine. Again comes the warning that character appearances cannot be guaranteed. Some characters may only appear in the lobby whilst others will visit you at your table.

Appetizers

Mixed Green and Caesar Salad, Various Salad Dressings, Greek Salad, Broccoli Salad, Tomato and Mozzarella Salad, Ambrosia, Macaroni Salad, Peel and Eat Shrimp and Apple with Port Vinaigrette.

Soups

A selection of coups which includes Tomato Florentine, Cream of Mushroom and Chilled Strawberry Soup.

Side Dishes

Sweet Potato, Mashed Potato, Carrot and Broccoli Medley, Sauteed Squash with Chives, Brown Gravy, Niblet Corn.

Entrees

Freshly Prepared Pasta, Mojo Marinated Turkey, Salmon with Caper Butter, Roasted Prime Rib of Beef, Chicken Curry with Couscous, Apple Chutney Stuffed Pork with Apple Glaze, Chorizo Stuffed Pork Loin with Mango Barbecue Sauce, Vegetable Egg Rolls, Salmon with a Dill Cream Sauce, Italian Sausage with Peppers, Mussels in Tomato Broth, Cheese Lasagna.

Desserts

Apple Cobbler, Soft Serve Ice cream, Brownies, Bread Pudding, Rice Krispie Treats, Key Lime Tarts, Lemon Cheescake Tart, Linzer Torte, Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Children’s Buffet

Cheese Pizza, Chicken Nuggets, Macaroni and Cheese, Pasta Marinara, Niblet Corn, Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches.

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Mama Melrose Ristorante Italiano is a great choice when visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. Italian food just like mama makes is available in this excellent Disney restaurant with a homely atmosphere. Pictures of celebrities who have visited Mama Melrose over the years are all over the walls. Your children may be hard pressed to recognize many of them but the decor all adds to the great atmosphere in this high energy place.

As with all Disney restaurants the theming and attention to detail is excellent. As you are guided to your table you will walk past the very busy open kitchen. Lots of hustle and bustle and if the smell from the wood burning oven doesn’t make you hungry then the great selection of Italian food on the menu certainly will. The walls are bare brick, the seating in comfortable surroundings with vines and string lights overhead.

When we went to Mama Melrose a couple of weeks ago they were particularly good with our special dietary needs. We have gluten free, vegetarians and vegans in our party so have a lot of specific requirements! Disney is excellent with any special dietary requests that you have. It can often be difficult to be trusting in restaurant situations when you have allergies or dietary requests but at Disney you know that you are in safe hands. The chef will always come out and talk to you personally. Frank, the chef who came to talk to us at Mama Melrose was very helpful.

For our vegan daughter he adapted the Mozzarella and Tomato Salad to a very nicely presented Tomato Salad and sent out lots of dishes of nuts for protein. A nice touch we thought. The tomatoes were good and were actually very tasty – something which often you simply don’t find these days. The younger ones had the usual cheese pizza and were, as always, very happy with this. The gluten free amongst us had the flat breads which were very good. The portions were larger than I expected them to be and we really could have shared. The cappuccino to finish was pretty good for a Disney restaurant.

Here is the Mama Melrose Ristorante Italiano

Mama Melrose Menu

The menu and prices are the same for lunch and dinner.

Appetizers

Clams Oreganatta

Oak-fried clams cooked in oregano butter with Italian sausage over toasted focaccia $10.99

Crispy Calamari for Two

Clams topped with peppers and onions, served with a side of spicy marinara sauce $12.99

Fresh Mozzarella and Vine-ripened Tomatoes

Served with marinated sweet onions, balsamic drizzle, extra virgin olive oil and fresh sweet basil $7.99

Mama’s Antipasto for Two

A selection of meats, cheeses, and marinated vegetables $14.99

Caesar Salad

Served with crisp romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing and herb croutons $5.99

Mixed Greens Salad

Served with dried cherry vinaigrette, candied walnuts, fresh pear and imported gorgonzola cheese $7.49

Vegetarian Minestrone

Class minestrone with ditalini pasta $5.49

Entrees

Spaghetti con Vongole

Sauteed Clams and Pancetta tossed with Spaghetti and White Clam Sauce $19.99

Wood Grilled Tuna

Grilled Tuna served over a seasonal Vegetable Risotto, warm Vine-ripened Diced Red and Yellow Tomatoes, and Olive-Caper Butter $21.99

Charred Strip Steak

Served with Italian Roasted Potatoes and Cipollini Onions, Aged Balsamic-Shallot Butter, and Chianti Wine Reduction $28.99

Chicken Campanelle

Wood-grilled chicken over Campanelle pasta tossed with Romanesco, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach and sweet onions in a Four-Cheese Cream Sauce $18.99
with Shrimp $19.99

Penne alla Vodka

Served with Pancetta and Sweet Onion finished with Tomato-Basil Sauce, Cream, Vodka, and Pecorino Romano $16.99

Pork Osso Buco

Braised in Red Wine and served over Fontina Polenta with seasonal Roasted Vegetables $21.99

Oven-Baked Chicken alla Parmigiana

Served over Spaghetti $17.99

Piccata di Pesca

Fresh fish sauteed in a white wine lemon butter sauce with caperberries, spinach, and whole grain pasta $20.99

Hand-rolled Potato Gnocch

Served with seasonal Roasted Vegetables in a Tomato Nage $18.99

Carne D’Italia Flatbread

Flat Bread with Pepperoni, Italian Sausage, Pancetta, and Spicy Marinara Sauce $12.99

Wild Mushroom and Arugula Flatbread

Flatbread with Balsamic Sweet Onions and Goat Cheese Pesto $11.99

Margherita Flatbread

Flatbread with fresh Mozzarella, Tomato Sauce, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and fresh Basil $11.99

Grilled Chicken Flatbread

Flatbread with Sun-dried Tomato Pesto, Pancetta, Asiago Cheese, and fresh Chives $12.99

Desserts

Mama’s Panna Cotta Tiramisu

Flavored custard with ladyfingers and Cappuccino cream $5.99

No Sugar Added Mascarpone Pound Cake

Served with linoncello-macerated berries and fresh whipped cream $6.49

Chocolate Cannoli Cake

Served with cannoli and nutella filling $5.99

Gelato $4.49

Chocolate Amarettini Cheesecake $5.49

Specialty Drinks

Magical Star Cocktail

Light up your celebration with X-Fusion Organic Mango and Passion Fruit Liqueur, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Pineapple Juice, and a souvenir Multicolored Glow Cube $10.50

Bellini Cocktail

Sparkling wine, White Peach, and Raspberry $7.25

Mama’s Margarita

Jose Cuervo Tradicional Tequila, Triple Sec, Lime Juice, Sweet-and-Sour, and Orange Juice $9.50

Italian Surfer

Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Amaretto, and Pineapple and Cranberry Juice $7.50

Sangria

A taste from the Italian Riviera. Glass: $8.00; 1/2 Carafe: $15.00; Full Carafe: $25.00

Non-Alcoholic Specialty Drinks

Tinker Bell and Friends or Buzz Lightyear Punch

Minute Maid Light Raspberry Lemonade served in a souvenir Fairies or Toy Story Cup with a glowing Tinker Bell or Buzz Lightyear Clip-on Light $6.49

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