Mouse Extra

This morning’s posting over at Jim Hill Media deals with the problems associated with the shrinking popularity of Disney’s pirates franchise.  Apparently the Pirates and Princesses Party is still struggling and Disney is cutting some costs to make it more profitable.  But perhaps the most disappointing is the red light given to the often rumored Tortuga restaurant project.

“So why didn’t the ‘Tortuga’ project go forward?,” you ask. Well, in addition to the problems associated with the “Pirates & Princess Party” and those declining “Pirates of the Caribbean” merchandise sales … There was the matter of what it would cost to change the Adventureland Veranda from a quick service facility to a full service restaurant.

Then when you factor in that the Magic Kingdom doesn’t really need a brand-new full service restaurant right now (Why For? Well, while places like Liberty Tree Tavern and the Crystal Palace are typically running at 90 - 95% occupancy at lunch & dinner these days, there are still in-park facilities like Tony’s Town Square that will have empty tables at various times of the day. So why should WDW officials spend the money necessary to add a brand-new dining facility to the Magic Kingdom when that theme park isn’t really making full use of the restaurants that it already has?) … It just didn’t make sense to spend the money now that would be necessary to turn the Adventureland Veranda into a “Pirates of the Caribbean” -themed dining experience.

There are a couple of things I find interesting in this analysis.  First, is the cost of converting a quick service into a full service restaurant so high that Disney would find the investment too much to handle?  That seems to be a bit of a stretch to me.  While kitchen equipment and renovations may be difficult, it is only a drop of what Disney puts into many other projects built from the ground up.  This sounds like a rationalization to me.

Second, I also have to question the conclusion that the Magic Kingdom does not need a new full service restaurant.  The 90-95% capacity seen at the Crystal Palace and the Liberty Tree is rather high, and certainly does not mean another would not be attended.  Many people don’t go to these places because they know how crowded it can be at lunch and dinner times.  Also, one is a buffet and the other family style, so a regular order-off-the-menu place would be a welcome addition.  And let’s be honest, Tony’s Town Square has empty tables because it isn’t all that great.

The reason for this ship being scuttled is much more obvious then that.  It seems the popularity of the entire Pirates franchise took a shot to the hull that left it crippled and sinking, and it was called “At World’s End”.  The film may have done well at the box office, but it failed to generate the cross generational appeal Disney was banking on.  The wit-filled swashbuckling that made adults laugh and kids run to find the nearest household object that could be imagined into a sword was replaced with a convoluted and way too dark storyline that anyone under 16 struggled to follow, and some of us more than twice that age did too.  Now Disney is left with a franchise that needs to be rebuilt before it can sail again.

We do spend a lot of time and effort in preparing for our Disney vacations on where and when we are going to eat. What World Showcase restaurant are we going to do? Should we have our sit-down meal at lunchtime or dinner? How do we get to that resort for our 6 o’clock seating? Why is counter service at the Studios so bad? These are all questions we ponder as we book our vacation and get those ressies 180 days beforehand. While we spend so much time on our big meals, many of us leave some of the most important aspects of munching to chance. Hopefully, this article will help you get the most out of snacking around the parks.

First of all, no one should be permitted to attend the Magic Kingdom without getting a pineapple dole whip. It should come with the darn ticket. Citrus swirls (at the Sunshine Tree Terrace) and Strawberry swirls (at the Enchanted Grove) are nearly as good as alternatives. For those hot days, you can try root beer floats at Sleepy Hollow or fresh fruit at a couple of different locales. These are all good choices for a cool pick-me-up after a morning of running around the Mountains. And then there is the smoked, what appears to be dinosaur, legs. There are a couple of spots to get these massive sticks of turkey meat. People love them and you get good bang for your buck, too. Although I must warn you, it may be difficult to scarf one down while sprinting from Big Thunder to Space Mountain.

The snacking Mecca of Walt Disney World has to be the World Showcase at Epcot. Food is a very important part of your Epcot experience, whether its an ADR at one of the restaurants or strolling the promenade sampling food from around the world. The highlights of this journey start with churros in Mexico. These popular cinnamon fried dough sticks have made their way to the other parks in recent years. Nearby, you can head to the Kringle Bakeri og Kafe for Norwegian delights like the rice cream and vaffler or the kringle, a sweet pretzel. That boardwalk treat, the funnel cake, is the American contribution to this fattening trek. You also must try the Kaki-gori at the Japan pavilion. This concoction of shaved ice and sweet fruit flavoring is excellent. Finally, there is French pastries, those cholesterol busting desserts. At the Boulangerie Patisserie, you can sample croissants, éclairs, and mousse. Wine by the glass is available nearby to complete the experience.

At the Disney MGM Studios, snacking is even worse than its counter service establishments, which is saying quite a bit. Personally, when at these movie studios, I enjoy a big souvenir tub of popcorn, which is available under the big sorcerer’s hat. The Animal Kingdom has better prospects. The tea cart in Asia is a fine example of the eclectic choices that keeps things interesting here. There are pot stickers available nearby at the Chakrandi Chicken shop. The Kusafiri coffee shop in Harambe has pastries to go with good espresso and cappuccino.

There is nothing like a good snack and the choices at Walt Disney World are varied. At what other theme park can you enjoy Norwegian sweet pretzels, jumbo turkey legs, and Asian pot stickers? But don’t forget the typical fare either. There seems to be a counter, stand or cart everywhere you turn. At the numerous ice cream carts you can grab frozen chocolate covered bananas (which are good), Mickey shaped cookies & cream chipwiches (which are even better) and other similar delicacies. So when planning your Disney vacation keep all of this in mind. And don’t you dare forget that dole whip.

Today’s article is by Mike, contributing writer to Mouse Extra

Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom has many old favorites and exciting attractions to chose from. It is, of course, where you can find Pirates of the Caribbean and the Jungle Cruise. Kids love Aladdin’s Flying Carpets and its the long time home of the Tiki Birds. It is also where overheated park patrons can find that famous delicacy, the Dole Whip.

Across from the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, you will find Aloha Isle, home of this popular treat. Pineapple is the flavor of the day at this snack spot. You can grab soft serve ice cream in that flavor as well as chocolate and vanilla. The Dole Whip itself is a swirl of vanilla and pineapple and, man, is it good. Also, you should try the pineapple or vanilla ice cream in a float with pineapple juice. Its terrific.

I’m not personally a big fan of pineapples, but the Dole Whip and the float are perfect for the hot Florida sun. There are similar options elsewhere at the Kingdom. At the Enchanted Grove in Fantasyland, one can score a Strawberry Swirl which mixes strawberry and vanilla soft serve ice cream. In Adventureland, a citrus (read orange flavor) and vanilla combo can be had. Nice options sure, but no Dole whip

Todays review is from Mike, contributing writer to Mouse Extra

Staff ratings. 
Brooke= E-ticket
Mike= D-ticket
Dave= C-ticket

Finding a nice sit down restaurant at the Magic Kingdom can be a difficult task. In fact, many would say that its an impossible task. For all the magic at the Kingdom, Disney has not been able to dream up a place to sit down for a few minutes and have a real good meal. Still, some places are better than others.

Which leads me to Tony’s Town Square restaurant on Main Street USA. When you first walk through the train station and transport yourself to turn of the century “America”, you can find Tony’s just to the right of the park in the square. Like much of Main Street, the restaurant is set in a beautiful Victorian building unlikely to be seen in any real main street anywhere. The theme is from Lady and the Tramp (a personal favorite of mine). Scenes from the movie are located throughout the place and statues of the two star canines are located at its center. In case you don’t know, Tony served the two love dogs their famous spaghetti and meatballs while serenading the couple.

As for the food, all I can say is that its pretty good. It’s typical Italian American. My recommendation would be to head there for lunch. The portions are generous and the price is not too bad for theme park fare. At lunch, the menu includes large panini sandwiches (around $11) including grilled chicken and classic Italian options. You can also share large pizzas (between $11-$12). Tony’s Pizza consists of smoked chicken, caramelized onions, spinach, and red pepper sauce. Its sounds a little strange but it works. Another pie choice serves up six cheeses and garlic. Unfortunately, the dinner menu is more limited but includes eggplant rollentini, chicken florentine, and seafood diavoli among a few other typical choices. Of course, you and that special someone can always share a plate of spaghetti and meatballs.

At Tony’s, you are not going to get a great meal. But that’s true throughout the entire park. There are no Le Celliers or San Angel Inns here. You can do better by hopping on the monorail, as well. At the Polynesian, for example, you have Ohana or the Kona Cafe, both upgrades from the Magic Kingdom’s cuisine. Still, Tony’s is not a bad choice, especially for a nice lunch. I like sitting on the porch and soaking up Main Street’s atmosphere.

This dining review is from Mike, contributing writer to Mouse Extra

Staff ratings
Brooke= B-ticket
Dave= C-ticket
Mike= C-ticket

If worried the kids are too loud for dining in the many sit down restaurants Walt Disney World has to offer, check out Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe. The cafeteria style eatery in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland features hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries, and chicken nuggets….all the foods little ones love. Read the rest of this entry »