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Roundup Rodeo BBQ – Restaurant Review

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Entrance. Photo: Brooke Hudson

Hollywood Studios has needed more table service dining options for a long time. We were very excited when Disney announced that Toy Story Land was getting its own Western themed table service restaurant, Roundup Rodeo BBQ. Roundup Rodeo BBQ opened in April fully booked, and it remains a popular table service option. This is likely to be a hard to get table service reservation for months, if not years, to come.

Most of the preliminary reviews I read for Roundup Rodeo BBQ were positive if not glowing. We went into this meal primed to love it. We were excited to have a new option for lunch or dinner, and I was thrilled to have secured a dinner reservation for our first planned Hollywood Studio visit of the trip.

The Good

Roundup Rodeo BBQ is themed perfectly to Toy Story Land. It fits right in, and the decor feels very similar to Toy Story Mania or Slinky Dog Dash. The design and decor of the restaurant itself, as well as the exterior waiting area and entrance to the restaurant area, are really well done and very cute. The colors are bright and cheerful, and there is a LOT to look at.

The final design looks a lot like the original concept art Disney gave us when they first announced Roundup Rodeo BBQ was coming. You can check that out Here or Here.

We absolutely loved the theming. If you aren’t aware, the premise of Roundup Rodeo BBQ is that Andy has assembled all his toys in the backyard for a Rodeo. There are audio tracks playing throughout your meal that feature Toy Story characters announcing various Rodeo events or activities. A fun element is that every so often the Green Army Men will announce that Andy is coming, and all cast members in Roundup Rodeo BBQ (and lots of participating restaurant guests) freeze.

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Another good thing we liked about Roundup Rodeo BBQ is the price point. Adults are $45 per person plus tax for all you care to enjoy, and children 9 and under are $25 per person plus tax, again for all you care to enjoy. The food is served family style, and guests are welcome to request more food if they desire. Meals include biscuits with jam, three salads, four meats, dessert and a soft drink, tea, coffee, milk or juice. Specialty beverages are available for an additional cost.

The Bad

You can review the full menu for Roundup Rodeo BBQ Here.

Unfortunately, as happy as we were with the theming and the price point, we were disappointed by the food. Specifically, we really did not like the entree options for this meal. Disney has elected to go with hickory smoked for the entree meats, and hickory smoked is a very strong flavor. I have no doubt that the meats themselves are of high quality; however the hickory smoked flavor overrode the taste of the meats themselves. If you are a fan of hickory smoked, I’m sure you will love these meats.

Roundup rodeo bbq meats — Roundup Rodeo BBQ meat basket. Photo: Brooke Hudson

Here are the meats you get with your meal: (Note there’s a plant based option that you can order instead of the meats—we did not try that option.)

Enjoy a Platter of all the Following House-Smoked Items

Evil Dr. Smoked Ribs | Buttercup’s Beef Brisket | There’s a Sausage in my Boot – Fire-grilled Pork Sausage | BBQ Chicken – with Style!

Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu smoked meats — Photo: Disney Parks

While I normally really enjoy barbecue, I have to admit that the overpowering hickory smoked flavor of these meats was NOT something I liked. Rodeo Roundup BBQ provides three different BBQ sauces for guests to add to their meat selections, and I tried all three. All three sauces were flavorful and tasty on their own, and offer BBQ flavors popular all over the United States. One sauce was sweet (my favorite), one was tangy and the third had more kick.

I was hoping that adding the sauce would temper the overpowering hickory smoke flavor—this was most successful with the chicken, but it still didn’t make this a successful meal for us.

The ribs, in my opinion were inedible. They were very hard, almost a beef jerky texture. The beef brisket was cooked well, but again that hickory smoke flavor was so strong, the brisket was difficult to enjoy. We had suggested to our waiter that he leave the fire grilled pork sausage out of our meat basket, since neither one of us are big fans. Our waiter was insistent that we should try it—he said it was SO good, and that we really needed to try it. So we did. It was good, I’ll agree, but the andouille sausage I’d had the day before at Tucker House was better!

The Ugly

Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu sides — Photo: Disney Parks

I’m sorry to say that we found the sides even more disappointing than the meats were. We were told to choose four options from the various side options available. Sides offered include:

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Sides — Roundup Rodeo BBQ Mean Old Potato Salad

The biggest disappointment was the Cowpoke Corn on the Cob. The description on the menu said “Grilled Street Corn”. We weren’t expecting the corn to have so much “stuff” on it. When we asked the waiter, he explained that it was “Mexican Street Corn”. I have had Mexican Street Corn before, but it was nothing like this. I’m sure there are lots of different ways to make the dish, but I’m not sure this preparation is the best choice for such a large and varied audience that includes so many children. I could see a lot of kids refusing to eat this corn. The waiter told us that the corn can be ordered as just buttered grilled corn on the cob—that would likely be more appealing to a wider audience.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Cowpoke Corn on the Cob. Photo: Brooke Hudson

We ordered the fried dill pickles just to try them — we weren’t expecting to love them, but we wanted to try them. I thought they would be crispy, but they were soft and kind of soggy. We didn’t like them at all, but I can imagine that they would appeal to some people.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Fried Pickles Photo: Brooke Hudson

The campfire roasted vegetables were just ok. We had high hopes for these as we both love roasted vegetables, but they were kind of soggy and not very flavorful.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Campfire Roasted Vegetables. Photo: Brooke Hudson

Final Thoughts on Roundup Rodeo BBQ

We will most likely not be returning to Roundup Rodeo BBQ for a table service meal in the future, unless we hear they make changes to the menu. While we loved the theming, the atmosphere and most of the cast members we talked to, the food just was not enjoyable for us.

roundup rodeo bbq biscuits — Roundup Rodeo BBQ Biscuits with Sweet Pepper Jam. Photo: Brooke Hudson

I loved the biscuit with the sweet pepper jam, and could have cheerfully eaten more of those—they were buttery soft, warm and scrumptious. Another highlight for me was my adult beverage. I tried the Rattler Rum Punch and loved it!

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Rum Rattler Punch. Photo: Brooke Hudson

We both got Billy’s Chocolate Silk Pie for dessert—that was a perfect sized portion, and all the dessert options looked terrific.

I’m glad we tried it, and we really enjoyed the environment and the theming. I’m also really happy that there is an additional table service restaurant available in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and specifically in Toy Story Land. While I’m sure Roundup Rodeo will appeal to many families—please keep in mind the strong hickory smoke flavor—if your family does not like that flavor, this meal will not be the success it could otherwise be.

You Might Love it!

As I said at the beginning, I really wanted to love Roundup Rodeo BBQ. I’m sad that I didn’t love it—and I’m even more disappointed that I didn’t even like it enough to return. Please keep in mind that these are my opinions, and your mileage may vary. Anecdotally, I did talk to a few other guests during our trip that had also tried Roundup Rodeo BBQ, and they shared similar thoughts and opinions—but that could absolutely have gone the other way, I’m sure.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu desserts — Photo: Disney Parks

So, here’s the big question: Have you tried Roundup Rodeo BBQ? What did you think? If you haven’t tried it yet, do you plan to? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Starts Today

The 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival starts today, March 1,2023. This year’s festival will run through July 5, 2023. This year’s Festival features new topiaries, great music and tons of great food.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Three Caballeros Topiaries — Photo: Disney Parks

The 2023 International Flower & Garden Festival features more than 15 outdoor kitchens. There are returning popular favorites like the Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake from the Honey Bee-stro hosted by the National Honey Board and the Boneless IMPOSSIBLE Korean Short Rib at Trowel & Trellis hosted by IMPOSSIBLE.

There are nearly 50 brand new dishes blossoming for the first time at this year’s festival. Lots of great dishes that guests will be eager to try, like the Citrus Baked Brie from the Citrus Blossom and the Muffuletta Panini from Magnolia Terrace. For guests that are lucky enough to visit the Festival more than once during it’s 4 month run, be sure to check out the EPCOT Farmer’s Feast. The EPCOT Farmer’s Feast is featuring a seasonal menu that will change as the Festival progresses. How fun is that?

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival — Springtime flowers and fairies at Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival

Extra Fun for Foodies

A fun activity for foodies attending the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is the Garden Graze. The Garden Graze is a kind of scavenger hunt based on food items at various outdoor kitchens around the Festival. There are 11 different tasty treats featured in the Garden Graze. After you purchase on of the treats, you’ll get a stamp in your Garden Graze passport. Once you’ve collected five stamps in your passport, you’ll receive an exclusive treat from the Pineapple Promenade. I love a scavenger hunt, and one based on food, likely with a food treat as a reward? Sign me up!

Foodie Guide for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

EPCOT Farmers Feast

Food Items:

Early Bloom Menu (Available March 1 through April 8)

- - Chilled Potato and Leek Soup “Vichyssoise” with bacon lardons, potato croutons, chive oil, and crispy leeks (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  - Char-grilled Bison Ribeye with creamy leek fondue, red wine butter sauce, and whipped red wine goat cheese
  - Spice Cake with cream cheese icing and candied pecans and parsnip (New)
  - Hibiscus Lemonade Cocktail featuring Islamorada Brewery & Distillery Hibiscus Gin

Springtime Menu (Available April 9 through May 20)

- - Grilled Vegetable Bruschetta with marinated peppers, zucchini, squash, artichokes, goat cheese, and balsamic glaze on grilled ciabatta
  - Grilled Swordfish with crushed fingerling potatoes, pea and mint purée, grilled asparagus, and lemon beurre Blanc (New)
  - Strawberry Rhubarb Upside-down Cake with crème fraîche whipped cream

Summer Solstice Menu (Available May 20 through July 5)

- - Tomato and Red Onion Panzanella with avocado, burrata cheese, and fresh basil
  - Barbecued Seared Pork Tenderloin with summer succotash, herb butter, and grapefruit vinaigrette (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  - Sweet Corn Crème Brûlée with corn biscotti (New)

Beverages (Available throughout entire festival):

- - Collective Arts Brewing Blueberry & Elderberry Sparkling Hard Tea (New)
  - Ghost Mary: Translucent Bloody Mary with Boyd & Blair Cucumber Vodka, tomato water, horseradish, celery salt, and a hint of pepper (New)

BRUNCHCOT (Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet)

Food Items:

- - Avocado Toast with marinated toybox tomatoes on toasted ciabatta (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  - Shrimp and Grits: Blackened shrimp and cheddar cheese grits with brown gravy and sweet corn salsa
  - Lox Benedict on Everything Focaccia with everything-spiced cream cheese, shallots, crispy capers, and hollandaise (New)
  - Fried Cinnamon Roll Bites with cream cheese frosting and candied bacon

Beverages:

- - Froot Loops Shake (Non-alcoholic)
  - Peach Bellini (New)
  - Joffrey’s Coffee Cold Brew Cocktail with milk, Kahlúa Rum and Coffee Liqueur, and vanilla vodka

The Citrus Blossom (The Odyssey)

Food Items:

- - Orange Sesame Tempura Shrimp with orange chile sauce (New)
  - Citrus Baked Brie with preserved lemon marmalade, limoncello-macerated blueberries, and spiced marcona almonds (New)
  - Lemon Meringue Pie: Lemon curd, lemon mousse, and toasted meringue (New)

Beverages:

- - Orange-Lemon Smoothie in a Souvenir Orange Bird Sipper Cup (Non-alcoholic)
  - UFO Beer Co. Citrus Hazy Wheat Beer
  - 81Bay Brewing Co. Citrus Honey Cream Ale
  - Parish Brewing Co. Drive Thru: Orange Octane Imperial Sour
  - Bella Strada Spritz (New)
  - Orange Sunshine Wine Slushy
  - Beer Flight

Novelty:

- - Orange Bird Bundle featuring The Orange Bird Little Golden Book and souvenir Orange Bird Sipper Cup

Florida Fresh (Near Disney Traders)

Food Items:

- - Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with savory garlic spread and spicy corn chips (New) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  - Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with savory garlic spread and plant-based cotija cheese (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  - Blackened Fish Slider with roasted tomatoes, watercress, and citrus remoulade on brioche (New)
  - Watermelon Salad with blueberries, pickled red onions, balsamic, and feta
  - Florida Strawberry Shortcake (New)

Beverages:

- - Cucumber Watermelon Slushy (Non-alcoholic)
  - Cucumber Watermelon Slushy with gin

Refreshment Outpost

Food Items:

- - Pineapple Skewer with Tajin seasoning (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  - Tangerine Soft-serve
  - Ice Cream Float: Tangerine soft-serve and cream soda

Beverages:

- - Lavender Martini: Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka with Lavender and Lemon
  - Lexington Brewing Tangerine Cream Ale
  - Blake’s Hard Cider Co. Grand Cherry Hard Cider (New)
  - Southern Tier Brewing Co. Juice Jolt IPA (New)

BAUERNMARKT: FARMER’S MARKET (Germany)

Food Items:

- - Potato Pancakes with house-made apple sauce (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  - Potato Pancake with caramelized ham, onions, and herb sour cream (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  - Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with black forest ham and melted gruyère cheese
  - Warm Cheese Strudel with mixed berries

Beverages:

- - Bitburger Premium Pils
  - Stiegl Brewery Radler Raspberry
  - Flensburger Dunkel
  - Apfelschaumwein: Sparkling wine and apple liqueur
  - Beer Flight

Flower & Garden Festival starts today — Photo: Disney Parks

Magnolia Terrace (The American Adventure)

Food Items:

- - Muffuletta Panini with ham, salami, mortadella, provolone, and Swiss with olive salad (New)
  - Spicy Chicken Gumbo with Andouille sausage and BEN’S ORIGINAL Long Grain & Wild Rice
  - Crawfish Pie (New)
  - Bananas Foster Bread Pudding (New)

Beverages:

- - Bayou Cocktail: Bayou Spiced Rum, coconut rum, fruit punch, and orange juice
  - Central 28 Beer Co. Pretty Things Ale (New)
  - Wicked Weed Brewing Day Light American Light Ale
  - Parish Brewing Co. Ghost in the Machine Double IPA
  - Beer Flight

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina (Morocco)

Food Items:

- - Hummus Trio: Traditional hummus, red beet and black garlic hummus, and avocado-herb hummus with Moroccan bread and crispy papadam (New) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  - Orange Blossom-Saffron Cake (New)

Beverages:

- - Pomegranate Mimosa
  - Keel Farms Strawberry Elderflower Hard Cider
  - Bold Rock Tangerine Hard Cider
  - 3 Daughters Brewing Pomegranate Hard Cider
  - Cider Flight

La Isla Fresca (Between Morocco and France)

Food Items:

- - Braised Oxtail with pigeon pea rice (New)
  - Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with BEN’S ORIGINAL Long Grain White Rice, mango salsa, and coconut-lime sauce
  - Coconut Tres Leches: Vanilla cake soaked in oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk with toasted coconut (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)

Beverages:

- - Tropical Breeze: Minute Maid Lemonade, grapefruit, and simple syrup (Non-alcoholic)
  - Islamorada Beer Company Coconut Key Lime Ale
  - Florida Orange Groves Winery Tropical Perception White Sangria
  - Tropical Breeze with Don Q Límon Rum

Northern Bloom (Canada)

Food Items:

- - Seared Scallops with French green beans, butter potatoes, brown butter vinaigrette, and Nueske’s Applewood-smoked Bacon (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  - Beef Tenderloin Tips, mushroom bordelaise sauce, and whipped potatoes with garden vegetables
  - Chocolate Maple Whisky Cake (New)

Beverages:

- - Maple Popcorn Shake (Non-alcoholic)
  - Collective Arts Brewing Honey Lager
  - Glutenberg Blonde Ale, Montreal
  - 81Bay Brewing Co. Apricot with Maple Syrup
  - Maple Popcorn Shake with Tap 357 Maple Rye Whisky
  - Beer Flight

Refreshment Port (Near Canada)

Food Items:

- - Shrimp Scampi Poutine with cheese curds, lemon-garlic cheese fondue, spinach, and artichokes (New)
  - Soft-serve Waffle Cone: Peanut butter, jelly, or swirl

Beverages:

- - Mighty Swell Purple Magic Spiked Seltzer (New)
  - Villa Maria Earth Garden Sauvignon Blanc (New)
  - Frozen Mojito with Boyd & Blair Rum (New)

Trowel & Trellis Hosted by IMPOSSIBLE (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

- - Boneless IMPOSSIBLE Korean Short Rib with cilantro-lime rice, Danmuji slaw, and kimchee mayonnaise (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  - IMPOSSIBLE Lumpia with Thai sweet chili sauce (New) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  - Chocolate Cake with black currant ganache, mixed berry compote, and chocolate ice cream (New) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)

Beverages:

- - Twinings Iced Green Tea with Cranberry and Lime (Non-alcoholic)
  - Parish Brewing Co. Bloom Hazy IPA
  - Lohr Wildflower Valdiguié
  - Twinings Iced Green Tea with cranberry and lime with Hangar 1 Makrut Vodka served in a mason jar

The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

- - Chicken and Waffles: Crispy honey-brined chicken and honey sweet corn bread waffle with whipped honey butter and spicy honey (New)
  - Pollinator Flatbread with honey whipped mascarpone, honey caramelized onions, blueberry gastrique, prosciutto, honey whipped goat cheese, arugula, honey vinaigrette, and bee pollen (New)
  - Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with honey whipped cream, whipped honey, crystalized honey, honeycomb, dehydrated honey, and fennel pollen meringue kisses

Beverages:

- - Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze with streusel (Non-alcoholic)
  - Nektar New Wave Lemonade Mead
  - Florida Orange Groves Winery Orange Blossom Honey Wine
  - Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze with blueberry vodka and streusel

Pineapple Promenade (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

- - Spicy Hot Dog with pineapple chutney and plantain chips
  - DOLE Whip (Plant-based)

Beverages:

- - Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (Non-alcoholic)
  - DOLE Whip with Fanta (Non-alcoholic)
  - 3 Daughters Brewing Tropical Hefe
  - BrewDog Hazy Jane IPA
  - Urban Artifact Teak Tropical American Fruit Tart
  - Playalinda Brewing Company Violet Lemonade Ale
  - Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Pineapple Wine
  - DOLE Whip topped with Sōmrus Mango Cream Liqueur
  - Pineapple Beer Flight

The Land Cart hosted by AdventHealth

Food Items:

- - Fruit and Cheese Plate: Grapes, strawberries, cheddar, and Mini Babybel Snack Cheese
  - Vegetable Plate: Broccoli, carrot sticks, and tomatoes with dip (Plant-based)
  - Pretzels with Hummus Dip (Plant-based)
  - Cookies ‘n “Cream” Chocolate Mousse Cup (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)

Sunshine Seasons

Beverage:

- - Strawberry-mango Slushy (Non-alcoholic)

Connections Café & Eatery

Food Item:

- - Orange Bird Liege Waffle (New)

Beverage:

- - Flower Drop Cocktail: St. Germaine Elderflower Liqueur, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Minute Maid Premium Lemonade (New)

Jardin de Fiestas (Mexico)

Food Items:

- - Quesadilla de Flor de Calabaza: House-made masa tortillas with squash blossoms, bacon, onion, zucchini, and cheese (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  - Taco Vampiro: Barbacoa Beef in a Corn Tortilla with crispy grilled monterey jack cheese, salsa ranchera, and esquites (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)

Beverages:

- - Mala Hierba Margarita: Centinela Tequila Reposado, elderflower-chamomile tea, Abasolo Corn Whiskey, and UNA Flower-infused Vodka with a chile salt rim (New)
  - Cristal Margarita: 100% Agave Tequila Blanco, Ilegal Mezcal Joven, clarified lemon juice, and orange liqueur in a souvenir cup (New)
  - Craft Mexican Lager

Lotus House (China)

Food Items:

- - Spicy Mala Chicken Skewer with creamy peanut sauce
  - House-made Cheesy Crab Wontons
  - Pan-fried Vegetable Dumplings

Beverages:

- - Classic Bubble Milk Tea (Non-alcoholic)
  - Cherry Blossom Pilsner Draft Beer
  - Kung Fu Master: Tito’s Vodka, Triple Sec, mango, orange juice, and soda water
  - Tang Dynasty: Jose Cuervo Especial Tequila Gold, light rum, strawberry, piña colada mix, soda water, and white boba pearls
  - Tropical Moon: Smirnoff Vodka, Triple Sec, passion fruit, soda water and white boba pearls (New)

Primavera Kitchen (Italy)

Food Items:

- - Caesar con Gamberett: Baby gem lettuce, shrimp, Caesar dressing, and crispy bread crumble (New)
  - Tortelloni Primavera: Spinach tortelloni, sweet butter, pancetta, corn, peas, and fava beans (New)
  - Budino alle Nocciole: Chocolate-hazelnut pudding with cookie crumble (New)

Beverages:

- - Peroni Pilsner
  - Prosecco
  - Moscato
  - Italian Sangria red or white
  - Italian Margarita with limoncello and tequila

Hanami (Japan)

Food Items:

- - Frushi: Strawberry, pineapple, and lychee wrapped in sweet rice and pink soy wrap served with whipped cream, drizzled raspberry sauce, and toasted coconut
  - Hanami Sushi: Assorted Nigiri sushi with lemon-cured salmon, soy-marinated tuna, and cured mackerel (New)
  - Creamy Shrimp Udon: Udon soup with shrimp and spring vegetables (New)

Beverages:

- - Sakura Cherry Blossom Pilsner (New)
  - Hakushika Hana Kohaku Plum Sake: Junmai Ginjo blended with Japanese plum (New)
  - Nigori Dragon Fruit Sake Cocktail (New)

Fleur de Lys (France)

Food Items:

- - Croissant au Fromage de Chèvre, Herbes et Ail Rôtie: Croissant with goat cheese, herbs, and roasted garlic
  - Daube de Boeuf à la Provençal, Compote de Tomate au Romarin Gnocchi à la Niçoise: Provençal-style braised beef, rosemary tomato, and niçoise gnocchi (New)
  - Tarte Chocolat Mogador: Chocolate tart with Valrhona single origin chocolate brownie, walnuts, and raspberry coulis served warm (New)
  - Beignet Caramélisé, Fourré Crème Vanille, Glacé au Caramel Fleur de Sel: Caramelized beignet filled with vanilla cream and glazed with caramel fleur de sel

Beverages:

- - Kronenbourg Blanc 1664 Draft Beer
  - VeRy Raspberry: Rosé wine with natural raspberry flavor
  - Kir àla Poire: French sparkling wine with Monin desert pear (New)
  - La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush: Vodka, Grey Goose L’Orange Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, and white and red cranberry juices

Funnel Cake

- - Banana Split Funnel Cake: Funnel Cake topped with Banana-Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Whipped Cream, Diced Strawberries, and a Maraschino Cherry drizzled with Chocolate Syrup (New)

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

World Discovery (Near Mission: SPACE) – Exotic Lemon Tea: A refreshing mix of Frozen Lemon and Iced Tea featuring Exotic Berry notes (Spirited option available featuring Grey Goose Vodka) (New)

Near Canada – Melonade: A tangy blend of Frozen Lemon with a burst of watermelon (Spirited option available featuring Grey Goose Vodka) (New)

World Showcase (Near Disney Traders) – Orange Cream Cold Brew: A smooth blend of French Roast Cold Brew with flavors of orange and vanilla topped with a splash of cream, whipped cream, and coconut shavings (Spirited option available featuring Kahlúa Rum and Coffee Liqueur) (New)

The American Adventure – Key Lime Cold Brew: A zesty blend of French Roast Cold Brew with flavors of Key lime and white chocolate topped with a splash of cream, whipped cream, and graham cracker crumbs (Spirited option available featuring Kahlúa Rum and Coffee Liqueur) (New)

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)

What Food Items Are You Looking Forward To?

I don’t know about you, but I’m very excited about some of these offerings. Mom and I always plan at least two EPCOT days during our annual Flower & Garden Festival trips. Some years we’ve even gone back a third time. We go for the Flowers, but the food is a becoming more and more of a draw every year.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Anna & Elsa Topiaries — Photo: Disney Parks

Is there anything you are really looking forward to trying?

It’s not too late to plan a trip for this year’s International Flower & Garden Festival. I’d love to help! Reach out now for a no obligation quote! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com or call 630-538-1124.

If you’d like to check out our other posts on this year’s Festival, please click here or here.

Garden Rocks Concert Series Schedule

One of the highlights of the annual EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is the Garden Rocks Concert Series. Throughout the Festival, internationally recognized musical artists perform every weekend, Friday through Monday. During the week, Tuesdays through Thursdays, locally celebrated Orlando artists perform for EPCOT guests.

To learn more about the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, please read here.

Garden Rocks Concert Series Schedule

Garden Rocks Concerts take place each evening at the America Gardens Theatre in the American Adventure Pavilion. The Garden Rocks Concerts run three times each evening throughout the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival: 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Concerts begin March 1, 2023 and run through July 5, 2023.

This year’s Garden Rocks Concert Series is filled with familiar returning favorites like the Plain White T’s, Simple Plan, and Kool and the Gang. This year, there are new legends joining the lineup, like legacy guitarist AJ Croce, Grammy award winner Switchfoot and Blue Oyster Cult.

The Garden Rocks Concert Series offers diverse music styles throughout the festival. The current schedule is below:

- - March 3-4 – Journey former lead vocalist STEVE AUGERI
  - March 5-6 – Daughtry
  - March 10-11 – Tommy DeCarlo
  - March 12-13 – Smash Mouth
  - March 17-18 – Mike DelGuidice
  - March 19-20 – Blue Oyster Cult – NEW
  - March 24-25 – Berlin
  - March 26-27 – The Pointer Sisters
  - March 31 – Luis Figueroa – NEW
  - April 1-2 – Piso 21 – NEW
  - April 3 – TBD
  - April 7-8 – STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
  - April 9-10 – Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles
  - April 16-17 – Switchfoot – NEW
  - April 21-22 – A Flock of Seagulls
  - April 23-24 – Jo Dee Messina
  - April 28-29 – Ambrosia with Peter Beckett, The Voice Of Player
  - April 30, May 1 – Kool and the Gang
  - May 5-8 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
  - May 12-15 – The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
  - May 19-20 – A.J. Croce: Croce Plays Croce – NEW
  - May 21-22 – Casting Crowns – NEW
  - May 26-27 – Jason Scheff, longtime lead singer of Chicago – NEW
  - May 28-29 – Rick Springfield
  - June 2-5 – Plain White T’s
  - June 9-10 – The Spinners
  - June 11-12 – The Commodores
  - June 16-17 – Vertical Horizon
  - June 18-19 – Tony Orlando
  - June 23-26 – Simple Plan
  - June 30, July 1 – Living Colour
  - July 2-3 – Wang Chung

Garden Rocks Dining Packages

The America Gardens Theatre has open, bleacher style seating. The seating for each show is first come, first serve, unless you’ve purchased guaranteed seats via a Garden Rocks Dining Package. The America Gardens Theatre has a maximum capacity of 1800 seats.

For really popular acts, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, the line for seating for Garden Rocks shows can get fairly long. If you want to be sure of getting a seat for your preferred date, a Garden Rocks Dining Package is a good way to go.

When you book a Garden Rocks Dining Package, you pay a fixed price. The price depends on the restaurant you choose. Your fixed price includes an appetizer, an entrée, a dessert or one (1) full buffet or family-style meal (where applicable) and a non alcoholic beverage. Your fixed price also includes one (1) guaranteed seat per person to the Garden Rocks concert for that day.

If your chosen restaurant is Spice Road Table, the fixed price includes two small plates, a shared dessert platter and a nonalcoholic beverage. It also includes one (1) guaranteed seat per person to the Garden Rocks concert for that day.

Participating Restaurants

	Adult (ages 10 and up)	Child (ages 3 to 9)
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Norway Pavilion	$74.00	$48.00
Biergarten Restaurant Germany Pavilion	$60.00	$34.00
Coral Reef Restaurant The Living Seas	$69.00	$27.00
Garden Grill Restaurant The Land Pavilion	$66.00	$43.00
Le Cellier Steakhouse Canada Pavilion	$95.00	$36.00
Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue American Adventure Pavilion	$35.00	$20.00
Rose & Crown Dining Room United Kingdom Pavilion	$59.00	$25.00
Spice Road Table Morocco Pavilion	$47.00	$20.00

How Does the Garden Rocks Dining Package Work?

Advance reservations are highly recommended for the participating table service restaurants.

After you’ve dined at your restaurant, you’ll be given a Garden Rocks seating badge. The badge will specify the date and show time you’ve reserved.

For each show, there will be two queues. One for guests with the Garden Rocks Dining Package badges and one for guests without Garden Rocks Dining Package badges.

Guests with Garden Rocks Dining Package badges will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating is guaranteed.

Guests who have not reserved a Garden Rocks Dining Package will be seated at the Garden Rocks concert on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating is based on availability due to limited capacity.

Keep in mind that to attend the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival or the Garden Rocks Concert Series, both a theme park reservation and valid theme park admission are required. EPCOT admission is not included in the price of the dining package.

I’ve Seen Rick Springfield at Least 20 Times Over the Years….

But never at Disney. At least not yet. Yes, I went to high school in the 80’s.

This year’s Garden Rocks Concert Series has quite the lineup isn’t it? There’s quite a few acts I’d really like to see this year–not just Rick Springfield, I promise.

Herman’s Hermits are playing the weekend Mom and I will be there for our annual Mother/Daughter trip. They’ll be fun to watch for sure. I’m bummed we’ll be missing Rick Springfield and Plain White T’s. I’d love to see The Commodores, Daughtry, Jo Dee Messina, Berlin, or a Flock of Seagulls. Really, there are a LOT of great acts this year.

Who would you want to see?

There’s still time to make reservations for this year’s International Flower & Garden Festival. If you’d like a no obligation quote, please call 630-538-1124 or email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

Brooke Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Ears — email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com today to start planning your next Disney adventure!

TRON Lightcycle/Run will use Virtual Queue

We are getting closer to the long awaited opening date for TRON Lightcycle/Run at the Magic Kingdom on April 4, 2023. The closer we get, the more information Disney makes available to us. In our last post about the new attraction (read here), I theorized that TRON Lightcycle/Run would open using a virtual queue. Disney has confirmed this theory. When it opens on April 4, TRON Lightcycle/Run will use a virtual queue. There will be NO standby lines for TRON Lightcycle/Run initially.

How Will the TRON Lightcycle/Run Virtual Queue Work?

Disney has been using the virtual queue for all new attractions for the last several years. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure both used virtual queues when they first opened. Both stopped using the virtual queue more than a year ago. Currently, EPCOT’s newest attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is using a virtual queue. That attraction will have been open for almost ten months by the time TRON Lightcycle/Run opens. Based on the pattern Disney has set with the previous attractions, I suspect Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will stop using the virtual queue sometime in March, if not sooner.

That way, when TRON Lightcycle/Run needs to start using the virtual queue, it will be the only attraction using it. I’m assuming Disney’s system COULD allow more than one attraction to use virtual queues at a time, especially if they are at different parks. But guests might find the booking experience confusing or frustrating. If an attraction doesn’t NEED the virtual queue, why not simplify things and eliminate it?

Why will TRON Lightcycle/Run use a Virtual Queue?

Disney uses a virtual queue when a new attraction opens primarily to maximize their ability to manage crowd flow through the attraction. The virtual queue system enables them to slow boarding groups arrival times if the attraction breaks down (common with new attractions) or if there are any quirks that arise with loading or unloading that they didn’t anticipate.

Using the virtual queue also adds a bit of mystery around a new attraction. There’s no way for the average guest to really know how many guests rode an attraction on a particular day.

A virtual queue also really helps Disney control the standby line flow, especially if the standby areas might get really tight if the lines get super long. For example, the area back by Ratatouille isn’t super big. If that line got too long, it could easily extend way out into the rest of France and cause a lot of congestion. By using a virtual queue, Disney was able to control the length of the length until the “newness” of that attraction wore off enough to keep that standby line down to a manageable length.

I haven’t seen the area for the TRON standby line inside the attraction, but there isn’t much space outside the attraction. The Speedway is RIGHTTHERE. I suspect that Disney will want to the line from extending out into this area if at all possible. Using the virtual queue will help Disney control this.

TRON Lightcycle/Run will be an Individual Lightning Lane Attraction

Guests with park tickets and park reservations for the Magic Kingdom will have the opportunity to purchase an individual Lightning Lane entry (a la carte) for TRON Lightcycle/Run, based on availability. Pricing and availability for the TRON Lightcycle/Run Lightning Lane entry will vary based on the season, demand, crowd levels and demand.

Locker System for TRON Lightcycle/Run

TRON Lightcycle/Run features a new double sided, digitized locker system inside the attraction queue. These lockers will be used to store guests’ bags and loose items while they ride the attraction. These complimentary lockers will pair with the guest’s Magic Band, Magic Band+, or ticket media so that the guest can either lock or reopen their locker easily with a quick tap. Guests without a Magic Band or ticket media (like a card) will be provided with a card to access a locker. All items must be placed either in a locker before guests board their Lightcycle or inside a small compartment located on the attraction vehicle. The small compartment can hold small items like a wallet, glasses or a cell phone.

TRON Lightcycle/Run will use a virtual queue. TRON Lockers. — Photo: Disney Parks

Disney PhotoPass and Videos

If you’ve been following for any time at all, you know that I am a BIG fan of PhotoPass. Photos are some of the best souvenirs from your vacations. Photos will outlast the TShirts, the sweatshirts and the snacks. As any new attraction should be, TRON Lightcycle/Run is equipped with some terrific on ride video and photo offerings. (Is anyone else still surprised that there ISN’T a PhotoPass photo on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance???)

If you are wearing a Magic Band or a Magic Band+, your attraction photo and video will automatically be linked to your My Disney Experience account.

TRON Lightcycle/Run will use a virtual queue TRON PhotoPass — Photo: Disney Parks

If you don’t have a Magic Band or a Magic Band+, you can still have access to your ride photo and video by using the My Disney Experience app. To use the My Disney Experience app to capture your ride photo and video, follow the steps below.

1. Enable Bluetooth® for the My Disney Experience app before riding.
2. Make sure to be logged into the My Disney Experience app sometime earlier that day.
3. Keep your device out of low power mode.
4. Make sure your mobile device boards the Lightcycle with you and is safely stored in the small Lightcycle compartment to use this method.

Will You Try the TRON Lightcycle/Run Virtual Queue?

Will you take your changes and try to get a boarding group for TRON Lightcycle/Run via the virtual queue? Or will you purchase an Individual Lightning Lane via Genie+ if it’s available? Individual Lightning Lane prices for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind peaked at $17-$18 last year during Thanksgiving week and again during Christmas week. How much would you be willing to pay to ride TRON Lightcycle/Run?

If you’d like to plan a trip to check TRON Lightcycle/Run out for yourself and you’d like a no obligation quote, email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com or call 630-538-1124 today!

2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

It’s almost time! The 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival opens March 1, 2023 and will run through July 5, 2023. The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is my favorite EPCOT festival. Every spring, my mom and I plan our annual mother daughter Disney trip around the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival.

EPCOT is never more beautiful than during the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Even during these painful “construction walls” years of growth, EPCOT still sparkles during Flower & Garden. The glorious flowers everywhere and the beautiful topiaries manage to make the construction walls recede somehow—or maybe just make them less noticeable? But EPCOT just looks a little prettier every where during this festival than it does during the rest of the year.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Three Amigos Topiaries — Three Cabelleros Topiaries Photo: Brooke Hudson

The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival features gorgeous themed gardens throughout all areas of EPCOT. There are special seating areas in some gardens where you can just sit and enjoy the beauty around you. Planters are every where, filled with flowers and greenery. There are even floating planters with flowers in them. Throughout EPCOT, you will find amazing topiaries themed to your favorite Disney and Pixar characters.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Gardens — Photo: Brooke Hudson

What’s new for this year’s EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival?

This year, there are a couple of NEW things to look forward to. Anything new, quite frankly, is a bit exciting. As much as I love this particular Festival, EPCOT hasn’t really done much in the way of “new” for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival in a few years. So I am really excited that there IS some new stuff to look forward to this year.

New Topiaries

This year, the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is going to be featuring several new topiaries. First, near the main entrance of the park, we will meet several characters from the beloved Disney movie Encanto. Mirabel, Isabela, Luisa, and Antonio are all making their debut as topiaries this year.

Also new this year: Princess Tiana from The Princess and The Frog will grace the American Adventure in World Showcase.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Figment — Figment Topiary Photo: Brooke Hudson

Of course all of our classic favorite topiaries will still be featured all over EPCOT. We will still be able to find Figment, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Anna and Elsa, Lady and the Tramp, and many, many more.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Snow White topiary — Snow White and Dopey Photo: Brooke Hudson

2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise

One of the highlights for mom and I every year at the Festival is investigating all the new Festival merchandise. Every Festival has its own merchandise line. Mom almost always gets a coffee mug. We always get a pin from each year’s festival for our park backpacks. I almost always end up with a T-shirt or something.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival 2022 Mug Beets — EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise Mug 2022 Photo: Brooke Hudson

Epcot flower & garden festival 2022 mug — EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise Mug 2022. Photo: Brooke Hudson

In addition to Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise, the Festival also features Orange Bird 70’s retro themed merchandise. This line has everything from apparel and pins to housewares.

I haven’t seen anything yet for this year’s Festival merchandise. As soon as Disney releases images of this year’s Festival merchandise I will update this post.

Here’s some of the merchandise we found at last year’s Festival:

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Garden Rocks Concert Series

Throughout the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, various musical acts are featured at the America Gardens Theatre. Disney has not yet released the musical act lineup for 2023. I will update this post once Disney releases this year’s information.

Outdoor Kitchens

One thing we all know about Disney is that they are VERY good at making money. Disney learned very early on with the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival that there was LOTS of money to be made from Food Booths installed around World Showcase during the Festival. As a result, Disney started including smaller scale versions of the “Food” portion of the Festival at their other EPCOT Festivals.

For the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, these food booths are called Outdoor Kitchens. This year’s Festival will include more than 15 Outdoor Kitchens. Each Outdoor Kitchen will have a different theme and will feature 1-3 food items and 1-2 beverages according to the theme.

We don’t yet have much information about the 2023 Outdoor Kitchens. The only one we know so far is The Citrus Blossom, which will be located at The Odyssey.

Epcot flower & garden festival citrus blossom — The Citrus Blossom Outdoor Kitchen Photo: Disney Parks

As soon as more information is released, I will update this post.

Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration

Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration is a springtime Scavenger Hunt that adds a fun layer to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Mom & I did this last spring and really enjoyed it.

In 2022, the cost was $9.99. For $9.99, you got a Scavenger Hunt board and a sheet of stickers. As you worked your way around the Festival, you looked for Spike in various gardens located all over the Festival. When you found him, you placed the sticker for the flower he’s with on that Garden on your board. When your board was completely filled out, you turned it in at a Festival gift shop for a prize. It was educational, fun and encouraged us to pay more attention to the different gardens as we moved around the Festival.

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I highly recommend playing. We plan to play again this year!

Blossoms of Fragrance

On the bridge from the “Construction Zone” 🙂 to World Showcase, you will pass through the Blossoms of Fragrance Exhibit area.

This exhibit area offers some great photo opportunities. Blossoms of Fragrance is presented by Scentsy. Guests will be surrounded by butterfly topiaries. There are six different scent stations for guests to explore. Each aroma will inspire memories and enhance your experience.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say it enough. I love visiting EPCOT during the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival every year. EPCOT is so beautiful. It’s just an explosion of colors. There are flowers everywhere, and it’s just something that fills me with joy every time.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Topiaries — Flower & Garden Festival Mickey & Minnie Topiaries

This year, Mom and I are going from May 3 – May 10. Not quite in the middle of the Festival, but close. That is another thing to consider when planning a visit to the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival. The Festival itself changes throughout the growing season. The gardeners update plants and flowers as the season goes on. In a perfect world, I’d visit (at least) monthly throughout the Festival to see the evolution of the florals. But for now, we try to visit mid-Festival. It’s close to Mom’s birthday and Mother’s Day, and about a month before my birthday, so we use our trip as a celebration for all of that stuff.

Will you attend the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival?

What do you think? Will this be the year you visit for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival? If you’d like a no obligation quote, email now brooke@disneycastledreaming.com or call 630-538-1124.

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Free Parking Returns for Disney Resort Guests!

I have more good news to share today! Walt Disney World has announced that they are removing the nightly parking fees at Walt Disney World Resorts for overnight guests. This is the first bit of FINANCIAL good news I’ve been able to share for a while about our beloved Walt Disney World. Could this be an early result of Bob Iger’s return? I don’t know, but it definitely makes me happy!

Free Parking Returns for Disney Resort Guests Immediately!

If you don’t drive at Walt Disney World, you may not have felt this pain. Starting in 2018, Disney resort guests were charged between $15 and $25 per night per vehicle to park at their resort. Only Disney Vacation Club guests were exempt from these charges. As I’m sure you can imagine, these costs added up quickly for guests. If you drove to Walt Disney World or chose to rent a vehicle for your Florida vacation, you felt this pain.

These fees have been an enormous source of guest frustration over the last several years. Parking fees have also served as a STRONG example in media conversations about Disney “nickel and diming” guests on top of ever increasing park ticket prices.

Walt Disney World Resort guests already get free parking at the theme parks–this has not changed. However, making the decision whether to rent a car or whether to fly or drive is a little easier when you don’t have to add in the cost of parking at your resort every night!

Is this a PR Move?

So of course, a big question is WHY is free parking returning for Disney resort guests? Is it just a big public relations move? Absolutely!! It is for SURE an effort to improve the public perception of the Walt Disney Company. Disney’s reputation, especially with the fanbase has taken a lot of hits in the past couple of years. Free parking is a pretty minor move, but it will get some press. It will also make a lot of Disney fans and travelers happy. Or at least, happier.

Free parking returns for Disney resort guests — Photo: Brooke Hudson

What is giving this news more mileage for me personally is that Disney is sacrificing revenue. We haven’t seen Disney do this in a long time. For the last I don’t even KNOW how many years, we have seen a trend of Disney making an awful lot of decisions that are VERY bottom line focused. We have seen LOTS of decisions that seem to put guest experience and guest relations at a much lower premium than the company used to value.

The reality is, a Walt Disney World has always been expensive. But the value over the years has decreased. It is still VERY valuable, and hour for hour, you still get a TON of value from a Walt Disney World vacation. But for those of us that have been visiting Walt Disney World for many years, it’s challenging to see the guest experience degrade somewhat while the pricing of everything has increased so significantly.

Final Thoughts

I don’t know if free parking returning for resort guests is a sign of things to come or just a token PR gesture — but it IS meaningful. It HAS impact on Disney travelers, especially those that drive to Walt Disney World. And it will, very slightly, reduce how much money Disney will make from the resorts each day. Or maybe it won’t. Because if the guest doesn’t have to spend $25 to park his car, maybe he will spend it on a T-shirt instead.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Character Dining Returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table

I have some good news for you today! Walt Disney World has finally announced when character dining is returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table. Cinderella’s Royal Table was one of the most popular character dining experiences in Walt Disney World for many years. As you may recall, when the parks reopened after the pandemic closure, character greetings and character meals did NOT return. Cinderella’s Royal Table table service restaurant DID reopen for meal service, but without characters. The restaurant has been open again for more than a year, but until today, there has been no sign of the character dining element returning.

Character dining returning to Cinderella's Roya Table — Sleeping Beauties at Cinderella’s Royal Table Photo: Disney Parks

Today, Walt Disney World announced that character dining is returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table on February 28, 2023. The first advanced dining reservations for this character meal will open on December 28, 2022.

Disney Princesses Returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table

Many Walt Disney World visitors, adults and children alike, love to see Disney Princesses during their vacation. The easiest way (and most economical way) to catch a glimpse of your favorite Princess is to watch the afternoon parade at the Magic Kingdom. During this parade, you get to see many of the Princesses, along with their beaux.

Magic Kingdom Princess Cavalcade Photo: Brooke Hudson

You can also see Disney Princesses during the finale of Fantasmic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios each night. Many of the Princesses are featured on water barges that pass in front of audiences near the end of the show.

Select Disney Princesses are also available for traditional Character Greetings. However, the popularity of the Princesses can often mean really long waits to see your Princess.

A Princess themed Character Meal is a great way to combine meal time with Character Greetings, giving your family the chance to take pictures with the characters and sign autographs. Character Dining has been GRADUALLY returning to Walt Disney World over the last few months, but the Princess dining options are few and far between and they’ve been among the last to return.

Storybook Dining with Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at EPCOT

Character dining featuring Disney Princesses returned to EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion in early November 2022. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall features Storybook Dining with Disney Princesses, and is a very popular Character Dining experience for Disney Princess fans of all ages.

Storybook Princess dining returning to Akershus Royal Banquet — Dancing Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Photo: Disney Parks

Current pricing for Storybook Dining with Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is $63 plus tax and gratuity for adults, and $41 plus tax and gratuity for children. Coffee, tea and fountain beverages are included at this price. Specialty beverages including cocktails, beer, hard cider and a variety of wines are available at an additional cost.

Click here to view the current menu.

character dining returning to Akershus Royal Banquet Hall — Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Photo: Disney Parks

Character Dining Returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table

Finally, diners wanting to see their favorite Disney Princesses during a meal at Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom can do so! Beginning on February 28, 2022, the Disney Princesses will be back, visiting each table for pictures, interaction and photographs. You might even get a visit from your Fairy Godmother!

Disney Restaurants Reopening Cinderella's Royal Table — The Fairy Godmother at Cinderella’s Royal Table (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

There is something so wonderful and magical about Cinderella Castle. I’m willing to admit this is one of my absolute favorite Character Meals, and I’m so happy it’s returning. This is one of the pricier Character Meals, so it’s not something we try to do every trip, but it is a very special experience.

Prior to going upstairs to be seated for dining, guests do have a brief moment for photos with Cinderella in the downstairs area of the restaurant. Cinderella returned early this year, in a distanced capacity. Later, the rules relaxed slightly. Cinderella is NOT one of the Disney Princesses that visits your table during your meal, as she’s busy downstairs greeting her guests.

character dining returning to cinderella's Royal Table, Cinderella — Cinderella at Cinderella’s Royal Table Photo: Brooke Hudson

Cinderella’s Royal Table is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Character Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table is NOT buffet style, like you will find at most Character Meals.

Character Dining returning to Cinderella's Royal Table — Cinderella’s Royal Table, 2013

Breakfast

Breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table inside Cinderella Castle is a lovely way to start your day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. If you can get an early reservation, you can even get into the park before it officially opens! One of my absolute FAVORITE things to do in Walt Disney World is to get into one of the parks early, and see it without the massive crowds we’ve all gotten so used to.

Another benefit of choosing breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table is that pricing for breakfast is significantly lower than for lunch or dinner. You can have the Character Dining experience inside Cinderella Castle at the best possible price. Keep in mind–Character Meal pricing is generally much higher than you would pay for a regular non-character meal. You are paying “extra” for the atmosphere and for the entertainment of seeing the Characters.

Current pricing for breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table is $45 plus tax and gratuity for adults and $29 plus tax and gratuity for children. Coffee, tea, fountain drinks, hot cocoa, juice or milk is included with your meal. Specialty cocktails are available for an additional fee.

Click here to view the current breakfast menu.

Lunch and Dinner

At this time, the lunch and dinner menus and pricing are the same at Cinderella’s Royal Table. It’s a bit of a heavier meal, so if you are planning lunch here, I would suggest going very light on breakfast, and planning a lighter dinner as well. Especially during the warmer months, you may find this lunch best followed by a return to your resort for an afternoon nap or swim.

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Current pricing for lunch or dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table is $67 plus tax and gratuity for adults and $39 plus tax and gratuity for children. your meal includes coffee, tea, fountain beverages, hot cocoa, juice, lemonade or milk. Specialty cocktails are available for an additional fee.

Click here to see the current lunch/dinner menu.

Advance Reservations Required

Cinderella’s Royal Table is one of those table service restaurants that you will never get access to if you don’t have a reservation. You MUST make reservations in advance, and this is one of those reservations I would try to get the very minute your 60 day window opens up. This is a hard reservation to get under normal conditions. Now that Character Dining is returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table? I suspect it will be even more difficult than usual!

Disney World and Disneyland Closing due to coronavirus — Photo: Brooke Hudson

Remember: If you get the reservation, you are also required to have both a park ticket and a park reservation for Magic Kingdom for that day. Without those two things, you won’t be able to get into the park at all to use your reservation!

How to get that Reservation

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I am a big planner. I’d rather spend time before the trip, making our plans and strategizing, planning ahead than to stand in really long lines during our trip, or not know where we are going to eat and when. Your preferences may be different. BUT if you are someone who wants to checkout Character Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table, this is one reservation you absolutely MUST plan for.

Staying on Property

If you are staying on Disney property, your reservation window opens up 6o days before your first night in a Walt Disney World resort. On that day, you will have the ability to make dining reservations for THAT first day, 60 days out, plus the duration of your stay at that resort, up to ten days. Be ready to book online (or call, if you’d rather) at 7am Eastern time on that 6o days out morning. Work on your reservation for Cinderella’s Royal Table first if you really want to dine there. Be prepared to try alternate meal times, even alternate days. Trust me, it is actually easier to rearrange all your park reservations than it is to get this reservation!

Cinderella’s Royal Table Entrance Photo: Brooke Hudson

Staying off Property

Don’t worry if you aren’t staying on Disney property–you still can try making this hard-to-get reservation at 60 days out. The only difference is that you can only make reservations for that one day on the 60th day out. If you were staying on property, you could try for every day of your trip at 60 days. Staying off site, you are going to be trying one day at a time. You can still be successful though! Try breakfast, lunch and dinner for the day you are trying to reserve. If that day doesn’t work, try the next day, and so on. Hopefully you will get lucky!

What if it Works? What if it Doesn’t?

If you succeed, kudos! Feel like a champion, brag to all your Disney loving friends…and work on the rest of your desired reservations! If you aren’t successful, you can try checking every few days to see if anything has opened up. Good windows to try are 45 and 30 days out–if people are cancelling their whole trip, they are likely to do it no later than 30 days out. It never hurts to keep trying. Sometimes people will have booked “extra” reservations that they will later cancel, or sometimes a big party will become a smaller party. You never know what may happen.

If this is a reservation you really want, good luck! I hope you get it!

Note: another strategy to consider if you DON’T want to do all the planning and reservations yourself–work with an authorized Disney Vacation Planner like me. If you book your Disney Vacation through me, I will help with park and dining reservations for no additional costs to you. I also offer detailed itineraries and personalized trip plans for a nominal fee.

Are you Excited to see Character Dining Returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table?

I’m curious if any of you are happy to see Character Dining returning to CRT? Please comment below if this is something you’ve been looking forward to.

Mom and I had a wonderful dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table during our Mother/Daughter trip in May. We got to see Cinderella, but no other Disney Princesses at that time. I probably won’t pull out all the stops to get that reservation again this year, as it’s a little too soon for a return visit.

I might try to see if I can get breakfast–that would be a different menu and a different experience. But most likely, May will be too soon. I bet those reservations will be really tough for the first few months, at least. If not this year, there’s always next year.

What about you? Are you going to try and get that reservation?

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner — Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

Toy Story Land Table Service Restaurant Coming Soon

At long last, Disney has provided us with an update about a Toy Story Land table service restaurant announced way back in May 2019. Roundup Rodeo BBQ will be the first Toy Story Land table service restaurant. Disney now plans for Roundup Rodeo BBQ to open in Spring 2023. They aren’t committing to an exact date just yet, but I’m confident we will get an announcement in February 2023, if not sooner. I’m betting Disney will want to have this Toy Story Land table service restaurant up and running in time for spring break crowds in March and April 2023.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ

Disney originally announced that a table service restaurant was planned for Toy Story Land way back in 2019. Click here to read our original post about the announcement.

At that time, we hoped that Disney planned to open this restaurant in late 2020 or early 2021. Unfortunately, this project was one more project pushed back significantly by the pandemic and subsequent theme park closures in 2020. When the parks reopened, the halted construction projects were slow to resume. Projects that DID resume seemed to progress much more slowly than similar projects had in the past. No doubt, Disney was more cautious in light of the financial impact the park closures had on the bottom line.

Gradually, we have seen many of these projects finish and open, like Cosmic Rewind and Space 220 at Epcot. Other projects are taking longer than planned but are starting to show signs that they will be completed soon. For example, the long awaited Magic Kingdom attraction TRON Lightcycle/Run has been testing with actual people for the last week or two. (More on that coming soon).

Where is Roundup Rodeo BBQ located?

This new Toy Story Land table service restaurant will be located off to the right near the main Toy Story Land entrance. If you’ve been in the parks over the last couple of years, you may have noticed the construction walls running on the right as you approach the Toy Story Land sign and the giant Woody. (Don’t feel bad if you didn’t notice them or pay any attention–Disney doesn’t WANT you to notice them. They want you to stay in the magic and not see any construction going on until the new attraction, shop or restaurant are completed!)

Toy Story Land Table Service Restaurant: Will this be a Character Meal?

No. Disney has been VERY clear that Toy Story Land’s Roundup Rodeo table service restaurant will NOT be a character meal. It wouldn’t surprise me if there were occasional Woody or Jessie sightings at this new table service offering, but don’t count on seeing any characters in person at this restaurant.

Disney Restaurants Beast Be Our Guest — Be Our Guest: The Beast Does a Walk Through (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

At Be Our Guest, the combination quick service and table service restaurant themed to Beauty and the Beast at the Magic Kingdom, the Beast occasionally will stroll through the dining rooms, allowing guests to catch a glimpse. Generally, he will stop and pose for a few moments to allow for photos and then he moves on.

I could see Disney doing something like that with this new Toy Story Land table service restaurant–but probably not at the beginning, and maybe not ever. It’s a great way to attract additional guests, but let’s face it: A new table service restaurant themed to Toy Story Land? That’s a guaranteed winner! I’m guessing this will quickly sell out as soon as the reservation windows open. Unless the food turns out to be terrible or something, this will likely be a very hot commodity for at least a couple of years.

Toy Story Land Table Service Restaurant Roundup Rodeo BBQ Photo: Disney Parks — Roundup Rodeo BBQ Concept Art

What’s the Story for Toy Story Land Roundup Rodeo BBQ?

One of my favorite things about Disney is the Imagineers. There is a story for absolutely EVERYTHING at Walt Disney World. The details and theming are elements that keep fans coming back year after year, generation after generation.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ is no exception. The Imagineers have crafted a story that enables this new table service restaurant to fit right in to the Andy’s Backyard concept for all of Toy Story Land.

Andy has decided to build a rodeo restaurant for all his toys. He’s used his Woody’s Roundup toys, his imagination and lots of his other playthings to create a fun atmosphere for toys, kids and even grown-ups to enjoy!

Toy Story Land Table Service Restaurant Roundup Rodeo BBQ — Roundup Rodeo BBQ, Interior Photo: Disney Parks

Disney has released a couple of photos of the interior of Roundup Rodeo BBQ, which makes me even more optimistic that this new Toy Story Land table service restaurant really is on track to open early sprint 2023.

I love the bright colors of Toy Story Land, and was happy to see that even though Disney Imagineers are going with a Western theme for this restaurant, they are still bringing in the familiar colors, characters and elements that we all love from other parts of Toy Story land.

Disney promised that we will find lots of fun elements in Roudup Rodeo, including game boards featuring characters from the Toy Story films, a steam train supported by colored pencils (shown in the photo above), a cardboard box with hand drawn (by Andy of course) audience members, and comic strips featuring Woody’s adventures on the dining room ceiling!

What will we eat at this new table service restaurant?

One of the most important question that comes up whenever we talk about Disney and a new restaurant is “what is the food going to be like?”

The short answer? We aren’t really sure yet. Disney has been pretty vague so far, other than putting BBQ in the name of the restaurant. I don’t think I’m walking out too far on a limb when I say I think we can expect to have western and BBQ themed food!

Seriously though, all Disney has told us so far is the the food will be barbeque inspired comfort foods, served family style. They’ve also said there will be platters of house-smoked meats, a roundup of sides and some miniature sweet surprises. Beyond that, Disney isn’t telling. YET.

I’m sure as we get closer to this new table service restaurant opening, we will get menus. As soon as I hear more about the food, I will update you all.

What will it cost?

The next question is of course, “what is the price point for this restaurant?” Unfortunately, Disney is also keeping quiet on this topic as well. At least for now. However, based on theming and the location, I’m fairly certain the pricing for this Toy Story Land table service restaurant will be moderate. I don’t think Disney is going for high end, white glove service for Roundup Rodeo. I’m expecting to something in line with the Regal Eagle quick service restaurant in America at Epcot. (See our article about that location here.) The Regal Eagle is quick service, so Roundup Rodeo BBQ prices will likely be a bit higher, but hopefully it will stay in this general range. Of course I will keep you all posted as I learn more.

What do YOU Think?

Are you excited about this new table service offering in Toy Story Land? Some of the challenges for guests in Toy Story Land are the lack of shade and lack of seating. I’m pretty happy that an air conditioned table service restaurant is coming–I like to take a little time at lunch (or dinner) to sit in the air conditioning and relax and eat. We like to recharge our batteries and since we are from the midwest, that Florida heat and humidity can really run us down sometimes. So I am ALWAYS a fan when I can make reservations as part of my planning, and guarantee my family a chance to sit down in A/C and enjoy a meal.

I’m already reworking my plan for our annual Mother/Daughter Flower & Garden Festival trip to make sure I can try and get us a reservation at Roundup Rodeo BBQ. After all, we have to do a review for all of you, don’t we?

Please let me know in the comments below if you will be adding this to your “Must Do” list or if you’ll wait and see how it turns out.

If you want to get planning on a trip for 2023 to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios and investigate this new Toy Story Land table service restaurant for yourself, please contact me at brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for a no-obligation quote.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

La Creperie de Paris: Another Reason to Visit France

La Creperie de Paris is one of the newest additions to EPCOT’s table service restaurant offerings. Located in the “new” section of EPCOT’s France pavilion, La Creperie de Paris offers guests both a quick service option and a table service option.

La Creperie de Paris EPCOT — La Creperie de Paris (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Counter Service

Crepes A Emporter by La Creperie de Paris is a quick service window connected to La Creperie de Paris. At this quick service window, you’ll be able to enjoy both savory galettes and sweet crepes, as well as soft serve ice cream and ciders and wines.

The line for the quick service Crepes A Emporter at La Creperie de Paris (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

We observed fairly long lines for this quick service window every time we were in the vicinity. It’s definitely a tasty and popular option, and worth the visit to this “back of France” area. The new Ratatouille attraction is located back in this area of the France pavilion, and that is the main reason most guests flock to this area. (Note: There are also new bathrooms back in this area–I like knowing where all the non-restaurant bathrooms are located!).

There is not much seating anywhere in this area, and crepes are not the easiest thing to eat while standing; however, if you are wanting something a little different to eat or for dessert, the offerings here are quite tasty.

My nephew Vinnie absolutely LOVED the dessert crepes here, and visited this quick service window several times during our October trip.

Quick Service Menu: Crepes A Emporter at La Creperie de Paris

Galettes (Savory Crepes)

Cream of Brie Cheese Galette $9.95

Ratatouille Galette (Tomatoes, Zucchini and Eggplant) $8.95

Bechamel, Cheese & Ham Galette $10.95

Crepes (Sweet Crepes)

Butter & Sugar Crepe $5.95

Housemade Hazelnut & Chocolate Spread Crepe $7.95

Red Berries Crepe $7.50

Vanilla or Chocolate Ice Cream Crepe $6.95

Glaces (Ice Cream)

Soft-serve Ice Cream in a Waffle Cone

Cidres (Hard Ciders)

Cidre Brut (Dry) $5.95

Cidre Doux (Sweet) $5.95

Petillants (Sparklings)

Champagne Malard Excellence Brut $15.50

Mimosa Sparkling Wine & Orange Juice $12.00

Kronenbourg 1664 French Beer $9.00

Vins (Wines)

Rose, Cotes de Provence $14.00

Chardonnay, Chefs Selection G. Duboeuf $7.50

Merlot, Chefs Selection G. Duboeuf $7.50

Cabernet Sauvignon $8.00

Boisson (Soft Drinks)

Assorted Beverages (Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, Fanta, Iced Tea, Lemonade $4.75

Evian Natural Spring Water $3.50

Perrier Sparkling Mineral Water $4.75

Our Thoughts

Overall, we found this quick service location to be good option. Every crepe we tried was tasty, and we thought it was positive that there were a couple vegetarian options here.

Our favorite crepe overall was definitely the Hazelnut & Chocolate Spread Crepe. This crepe was so tasty! It’s very rich, though, so you’ll want to make sure you have some water or an alternative beverage. (If you can get a scoop of vanilla ice cream for your crepe, that helps a LOT with the richness AND adds a lovely cold element on a hot day. We discovered that wonderful combination at the table service restaurant, though.)

EPCOT France Pavilion New Addition — Photo: Brooke Hudson

I am not kidding when I tell you there really isn’t anywhere in this area to sit and enjoy your crepe. That is the only real negative I have about this quick service location. Much of the area back here is absorbed by the Ratatouille queue; there are a few planters with ledges where people frequently sit…but it’s not nearly enough room for everyone waiting in line at any given time. There are a few tables on one side, and a few high top tables with no seating where you can at least set your food and drink down, but you can’t sit. There is not a lot of shade in this area, either, so on a hot day, you would probably not want to stand around in the sun to enjoy your crepe and your drink. But if you can stake out a shady spot and some seating, this quick service location is a definite winner for us.

Table Service: La Creperie de Paris

I much prefer eating at table service restaurants at Disney to quick service, I must confess. I like knowing we will be able to sit down, in air conditioning, and be able to get a decent rest while we enjoy our meal. After trying out the quick service window for Crepes A Emporter at La Creperie de Paris during our October family trip, I knew I wanted to check out the table service option for our spring Flower & Garden trip.

I made all our dining reservations at the same time, 60 days out from our trip. Fortunately, I was able to get every reservation I wanted with little difficulty. For the purposes of this review, I have gone online several times to check availability, and while I can rarely find same day reservations, I can usually find something a few days out. Weekdays are easier than weekends, of course, but I suspect with a little planning ahead, you should be able to secure a reservation for La Creperie de Paris.

Decor

This restaurant has a pretty modern feel to it. It’s all beiges and whites, and fairly clean and simple feeling. I think they were going for a French Bistro feel here, and my mom, who has been to several French Bistros in her travels, says this effort is successful. We got a table right in the windows, so that was fun for us. Avid people watchers, we loved the opportunity to people watch both inside and outside the restaurant.

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Bonus: One thing we really liked at La Creperie de Paris was that we got real menus! Disney is still using the online menus at most table service restaurants where you scan a QR code with your phone and look at the menu on your phone. I miss real menus! La Creperie de Paris uses their paper menus as your placemat, and I like it!

Service

Service was very good here. We both felt the absence of the international program for EPCOT though. We’ve always loved that the EPCOT restaurants were primarily staffed with team members from the country the restaurant was themed to. That program was paused when Walt Disney World closed in 2020 due to Covid, and it has restarted only very recently. As a result, there are very few international cast members back in EPCOT at this time. While each of the service team members we met was terrific, I missed being able to talk to and learn from the international cast members in the restaurants.

The service was a bit TOO good, in fact. We felt a little rushed. We hadn’t finished our salads when our savory crepes arrived, and our dessert crepes arrived before we had finished our savory crepes. However, on the positive side, my water glass was pretty constantly refilled — It was a hot day and I was very thirsty.

We were celebrating my mom’s birthday, and our server brought out some VERY tasty french vanilla ice cream for her birthday. Mom suggested we add the ice cream to our hazelnut chocolate dessert crepes and WOW was that amazing! We both decided this was our favorite way to enjoy the hazelnut chocolate crepes by far!

Table Service Menu: La Creperie de Paris

Appetizer or Side Dish

Soupe du Jour (Soup of the Day) $6.75

Salad Maison (Mixed greens, tomatoes, onions, and vinegarette) $6.75

Prix Fixe Menu * (My recommendation for this restaurant)

Choice of Soup of the Day or Salade Maison; choice of one Galette with a glass of Hard Cider, Soda or Juice; Choice of one Dessert Crepe $34.95

Galettes (Buckwheat Savory Crepes)

Classique (Ham, Egg, Swiss Cheese) $16.95

Poulet (Chicken, Bechamel Cheese Sauce, Mushrooms) $16.95

Chevre (Goat Cheese, Spinach, Walnuts) $16.95

Saumon (Smoked Salmon, Creme Fraiche, Chives, Lemon) $16.95

Ratatouille (Tomato, Zucchini, Eggplant) $16.95

Savoyarde (Raclette Cheese, Carmelized Onions, Bacon, Imported Bayonne Home $16.95

Menu Enfant Prix Fixe Menu (Kids’ Prix Fixe Menu)

Choice of one Galette (Brie Cheese, Ratatouille, or Ham & Cheese) and choice of one Crepe (Sugar, Red Berries or Hazelnut Chocolate Spread) $14.00

Crepes (Dessert)

Gourmande (Hazelnut Chocolate Spread, Whipped Cream) $9.95

Banane (Banana, Caramel Beurre Sale) $9.95

Melba (Peach, Red Berries Sauce, Almonds) $9.95

Poire (Pear, Chocolate Ganache, Whipped Cream) $9.95

Pomme (Carmelized Apples, Caramel Beurre Sale) $9.95

Add-On’s (Each: Whipped Cream, Ice Cream, Sauce) $2.95

Add a Shot to Any Crepe (Grand Marnier, Rhum or Calvados) $7.00

Cidres (French Hard Ciders)

Brut $29.00 (Bottle) $5.95 (Glass)

Demi Sec $29.00 (Bottle) $5.95 (Glass)

Doux $29.00 (Bottle) $5.95 (Glass)

Rose $40.00 (Bottle) $7.50 (Glass)

Vins (French Wines)

Chardonnay $36.95 (Bottle) $7.95 (Glass)

Carbernet Sauvignon $36.95 (Bottle) $7.95 (Glass)

Merlot $36.95 (Bottle) $7.95 (Glass)

Rose de Provence $69.50 (Bottle) $14.95 (Glass)

Divers (Miscellaneous)

Biere Kronenbourg (Beer) $9.50

Champagne Malard $17.55

Mimosa $12.00

French Martini $15.75

Sodas, Jus (Imported Soft Drinks)

Evian $7.50

Perrier $8.50

Jus de Pomme (Apple Juice) $5.00

Limonade (French Sparkling Limonade) $5.75

Orangina (French Orange Soda) $6.25

Hot Beverages

Espresso $4.75

Cappuccino $5.25

The (Tea) $4.50

Cafe (Coffee) $4.25

Our Thoughts

We liked our La Creperie de Paris lunch very much. I highly recommend the Prix Fixe Menu, which includes soup or salad, a savory buckwheat galette, a dessert crepe and a glass of hard cider, soda or juice for $34.95. Both of us felt this was a good value, especially for a Disney table service restaurant. Definitely choose the cider to maximize your investment. Note: There is also kids Prix Fixe Menu for $14.00 that includes a savory galette and a dessert crepe.

At this time, La Creperie de Paris does not accept any discounts. No DVC discount, no passholder discounts, etc. This is pretty common for newer restaurants when they first open. Most likely this table service restaurant will offer discounts at some point in the future, but while it is still new and very popular, discounts are unlikely to materialize.

Overall, we both our enjoyed our meals. The salads were fresh and light, and the perfect size for an appetizer. The weak link for both of us were the savory buckwheat galettes. They were good, don’t get me wrong, but they were not great. We both felt the flavor of the buckwheat crepe itself was a bit boring. Mom and I also each felt our galettes were too dry and needed more sauce.

We enjoyed the environment, it was relaxing and comfortable. The host seated us almost immediately after we checked in, and we had a great seat in the front windows. Each of us enjoyed our hard ciders; mom had the Brut, which is dry and really liked it. I tried the Doux, which was sweeter. I would definitely order this again. The highlight of the meal for both of us was the dessert crepes. We each had the Hazelnut Chocolate Spread dessert crepes, and we’d eaten about a third of our crepes when the server brought my mom’s “birthday” ice cream. We both agreed that while the crepes was VERY good with whipped cream, the ice cream took it to a whole other level. It became OUTSTANDING.

La Creperie de Paris Dessert Crepe (Photo: Linda Harkness)

La Creperie de Paris Birthday Ice Cream — Mom and her dessert crepe with her “Birthday” ice cream!

I would definitely recommend you check out this table service restaurant. Our meal was filling but not too heavy, and we felt recharged and ready to head back out into the 90+ degree heat of the afternoon, very satisfied with our meal.

Have you tried La Creperie de Paris or Crepes A Emporter by La Creperie de Paris for yourself yet? If so, what did you think? Please comment below, I’d love to read your thoughts!

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

runDisney Races are BACK at WDW!

Great news today, everyone. runDisney races are back at Walt Disney World. Even more exciting? runDisney in-park races are starting THIS YEAR!

While many runDisney fans have been speculating that an announcement from runDisney would like come soon, most of us assumed that runDisney races would be back NEXT YEAR. Today’s announcement is exciting news for runDisney fans everywhere and indicates a more accelerated return to normalcy for runDisney races at Walt Disney World.

runDisney Races are back in 2021

A big surprise for many runDisney fans, the first race to return to Walt Disney World is the 2021 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. The Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend is November 4 – 7, 2021.

This year’s theme is Wickedly Delicious, focusing on popular Disney villains. The weekend will feature a 5K, a 10K, and a half marathon. In addition, the weekend will also offer a Disney Two Course Challenge for those participants that want the challenge of completing both the 10K and the half marathon. I’m a big fan of the 10K/Half Marathon challenges, and am very excited to see this challenge as a part of the Wine & Dine weekend.

runDisney Wine and Dine — Photo: runDisney

The weekend will wrap up with a Post Race Party for participants and their families at EPCOT. The party will feature exclusive after hours access to the park and the International Food and Wine Festival.

If you’re interested in planning a trip to Disney for the runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, I recommend taking action QUICKLY. Email me at brooke@disneycastledreaming.com and I’d be happy to put together a no obligation quote for you.

Disney’s Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

Registration opens for the general public on July 13, 2021 at 10 am EST.

Club runDisney Gold and Platinum registration opens July 6, 2021 at 10 am EST.

While we haven’t received confirmation yet, we expect that DVC members and Annual Passholders will also have access for early registration. We will update with a specific date and time as soon as we have it.

Pricing

5K $95

10K $135

Half Marathon $215

Two Course Challenge $360

Post Race Party $89

*Note: These are early registration prices. Prices will increase by $10 on August 10, 2021.

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

Many runDisney fans had high hopes that in park races would be returning to Walt Disney World for January 2022’s Marathon Weekend. I’m so happy to report that Walt Disney World’s Marathon Weekend has been officially confirmed for January 5 – 9, 2022.

Fans can expect Marathon Weekend to focus on the 50th Anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort. I’m hopeful there will be lots of special entertainment and merchandise celebrating the big 50th!

Marathon Weekend will include a 5K, a 10K, a half marathon, and a full marathon. Also back is the Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge, for those participants that want to do the half marathon AND the full marathon (and MUST be Goofy to do so!). And for the REALLY committed (or maybe they need to be committed? Just kidding!) the Dopey Challenge is back. The Dopey Challenge includes the 5K, the 10K, the half marathon AND the full marathon.

runDisney virtual races Goofy Challenge — runDisney Goofy Challenge

We are already seeing a TON of reservations for 2022–so many Disney fans have been eagerly awaiting Disney World’s return to normal. With runDisney races back, we expect Marathon Weekend reservations to pour in. If you’d like a no obligation quote for your runDisney Marathon Weekend, please reach out to brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

Registration

Registration opens for the general public on July 27, 2021 at 10 am EST.

Club runDisney Gold and Platinum registration opens July 20, 2021 at 10 am EST.

Pricing

5K $95

10K $135

Half Marathon $195

Marathon $195

Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge $390

Dopey Challenge $600

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend 2022

It’s no surprise that the race weekend built for Disney princesses from all over the world will return once again to Walt Disney World now that runDisney races are BACK live in the parks. A great entry point for beginner runDisney participants, Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend is scheduled for February 24 – 27, 2021.

New for 2022: the first morning will feature Disney Princess Sunrise Yoga in front of Cinderella Castle, before the theme park opens. How fun does THAT sound?

The theme for the 2022 Princess Half Marathon Weekend will be courage and kindness. Men are welcome to participate, but the Princess Half Marathon Weekend focuses more fully on women, girls and the female experience. The Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend will feature a 5k, a 10k, and a half marathon. The Weekend also features the Disney Fairy Tale Challenge (my favorite!) for those participants that want to do both the 10K and the half marathon.

runDisney Princess Half Finish Line — runDisney Princess Half Marathon Finish Line

It’s a great opportunity for a girls’ weekend, a sisters weekend, a mom/daughter weekend. If you’d like help planning your Disney Half Marathon weekend, please email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

Registration

Registration opens for the general public on August 24, 2021 at 10 am EST.

Club runDisney Gold and Platinum registration opens August 17, 2021 at 10 am EST.

Pricing

Sunrise Yoga $95

5K $95

Enchanted 10K $135

Half Marathon $210

Disney Fairy Tale Challenge $355

Surprise! runDisney has a NEW Race in the Family

All the big runDisney announcements from this morning included a new race in the lineup. runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend is scheduled for March 31 – April 3, 2022. Disney has stated that each race season, the fourth weekend will be the Springtime Surprise Weekend. Each year, the race themes and distances will be different.

So essentially, this weekend is replacing the Star Wars race weekend? Perhaps they are planning to rotate several different themes through this particular race weekend, depending on what film or theme park properties they want to promote in a particular year? I guess we will find out.

They tell us that this weekend will be “as much about the smiles as it is about the miles” and beginner racers and veteran racers alike will be welcome.

We have no other information about this event at this time. Hmmm. Very mysterious. Registration will like open in the fall, but we have no dates, distances, prices or themes yet.

Health and Safety

With runDisney races back in our lives, an obvious first question for many is, “What will the health and safety protocols be?”

The answer to this question is evolving. Disney is saying that they will defer to the information they receive from scientists, vendors and sponsors, and will make decisions in the best interest of their guests, vendors, park guests, and cast members as each race weekend approaches.

It is possible that face coverings MAY be required or that other health and safety protocol measures may be in place at race time.

As more information becomes available for each race weekend, I will share it with you.

Virtual Races are Sticking Around

In the not-so-surprising news category, Disney has announced that Virtual Races are NOT going away. Racers from all over the world will still be able to participate in runDisney races from wherever they are, even if they can’t come to the parks to join in the fun.

The in-person runDisney races generate millions of dollars in revenue for Disney, and they have learned from the Covid runDisney experience that they can make even MORE money by opening the races up to a virtual audience. I fully expect Disney to continue offering the virtual races, and to perhaps even expand their virtual offerings as time goes on. They can operate the virtual races with much less overhead and get a lot of fan participation. Races like these build additional fan loyalty, and of course, can lead to additional in park race participation, which adds to to resort revenues overall, in addition to runDisney dollars.

I think the virtual races are brilliant, and since runDisney is not foolish and they want ALL my money, they will continue for every runDisney in park race for the forseeable future.

If you’d like to learn more about Virtual Races (and why I love them), please read runDisney Virtual Races.

Registration Dates for Virtual Races

Disney’s Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend: July 16, 2021 at 10am EST

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend: July 30, 2021 at 10 am EST

Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend: August 27, 2021 at 10am EST

It’s True. runDisney races are BACK at Walt Disney World.

I’m so excited I can’t hardly stand it. runDisney races are truly exceptional experiences for runners and walkers alike. The race course is filled with themed mile markers, race entertainment, characters and photo opps. Logistically, no one does it better. There are SO MANY portapotties! (Ok, I don’t love the portapotty experience, but when ya gotta go, you are so grateful they are there). I can’t even put into words racing through the theme parks themselves. It’s AMAZING. Fast runners will be in the parks at sunrise (or even before) and that’s a heart stopping, never forget it moment. Slower runners or walkers (like me!) will enter the parks much later and find their paths lined with park goers cheering them on (also a heart stopping never forget it moment.

The adrenaline rush that comes from lining up at the starting line with thousands of other races is amazing for any big race…but for a runDisney race, it’s magnified somehow. The energy just crackles through the air. There are fireworks and Mickey Mouse for goodness sakes! And whenever your energy is flagging, there will be something or someone on the course to boost your spirits and get you going again.

runDisney Marathon Weekend Bling — runDisney It’s All About the Bling photo: Vicki and David Arndt Photography

How about you? Are you excited that runDisney races are back in the Walt Disney World parks? What race or races are YOU registering for?

I may need to partner with a venture capitalist to support my runDisney addiction. {sigh}.

Hope to see you on the runDisney race course!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

The Good

The Bad

Enjoy a Platter of all the Following House-Smoked Items

The Ugly

Mean Old Potato Salad

The Married Spuds

The Claw! Veggie Slaw

Force Field Fried Pickles

Campfire-roasted Vegetables

Slinky Doooooooooog’s Mac & Cheese

Buckin’ Baked Beans

Cowpoke Corn on the Cob

Final Thoughts on Roundup Rodeo BBQ

You Might Love it!

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Extra Fun for Foodies

Foodie Guide for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

What Food Items Are You Looking Forward To?

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Garden Rocks Concert Series Schedule

Garden Rocks Dining Packages

Participating Restaurants

How Does the Garden Rocks Dining Package Work?

I’ve Seen Rick Springfield at Least 20 Times Over the Years….

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How Will the TRON Lightcycle/Run Virtual Queue Work?

Why will TRON Lightcycle/Run use a Virtual Queue?

TRON Lightcycle/Run will be an Individual Lightning Lane Attraction

Locker System for TRON Lightcycle/Run

Disney PhotoPass and Videos

Will You Try the TRON Lightcycle/Run Virtual Queue?

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What’s new for this year’s EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival?

New Topiaries

2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise

Garden Rocks Concert Series

Outdoor Kitchens

Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration

Blossoms of Fragrance

Final Thoughts

Will you attend the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival?

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Free Parking Returns for Disney Resort Guests Immediately!

Is this a PR Move?

Final Thoughts

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Disney Princesses Returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table

Storybook Dining with Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at EPCOT

Character Dining Returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table

Breakfast

Lunch and Dinner

Advance Reservations Required

How to get that Reservation

Staying on Property

Staying off Property

What if it Works? What if it Doesn’t?

Are you Excited to see Character Dining Returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table?

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Roundup Rodeo BBQ

Where is Roundup Rodeo BBQ located?

Toy Story Land Table Service Restaurant: Will this be a Character Meal?

What’s the Story for Toy Story Land Roundup Rodeo BBQ?

What will we eat at this new table service restaurant?

What will it cost?

What do YOU Think?

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Counter Service

Quick Service Menu: Crepes A Emporter at La Creperie de Paris

Our Thoughts

Table Service: La Creperie de Paris

Decor

Service